NSO Group seeks pause on WhatsApp spyware ban

CyberScoop reports that the NSO Group has requested that a federal court halt a permanent injunction blocking it from using its Pegasus spyware on WhatsApp, arguing that the decision conflicts with the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

The company said the injunction forces it to delete code tied to WhatsApp, a step it claims would irreversibly damage its business and prevent U.S. agencies from licensing Pegasus in the future. NSO points to language in the CFAA that exempts "lawfully authorized" U.S. intelligence or law-enforcement activity, arguing that the court should have carved out an allowance for such operations.

According to the filing, letting the order stand would deprive agencies like the FBI of a tool previously evaluated for investigative use, even if no past operational deployment occurred. NSO says a stay is in the public interest because Pegasus has been used to combat crime and terrorism. The filing comes as the company strengthens its U.S. ties through new leadership and incoming American investors.