NSO Group Warns WhatsApp Court Ban Could Cripple Operations and Block Future U.S. Government Use

NSO Group Claims WhatsApp Injunction Puts Company’s Future at Risk

Israeli spyware maker NSO Group says a U.S. court order blocking it from targeting WhatsApp threatens the company’s survival and could cut off future cooperation with American law-enforcement agencies. The arguments were presented in a motion filed this week, requesting a stay on the permanent injunction issued by the Northern District of California.

The ruling—part of WhatsApp’s long-running lawsuit against NSO—bars the company from using or accessing the messaging platform with its surveillance technology, including its widely scrutinized Pegasus spyware.

Company Argues Injunction Would Cause “Irreparable, Existential Harm”

NSO Group told the court that enforcing the injunction before its appeal is heard would inflict damage that “cannot be undone.”
The company says it would be forced to destroy code and tools linked to WhatsApp exploitation, an action it claims is irreversible.

“Once deleted, these technologies are gone forever,” NSO argued in its filing.

NSO also said the order would prevent it from developing or selling software used legally by government clients for criminal and counterterrorism investigations, potentially shutting down operations completely.

Concerns Over U.S. Law Enforcement and National Security

A major point in NSO’s motion is that the injunction blocks the company from providing Pegasus to U.S. agencies in the future, even if used under lawful authorization.

The filing notes that the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) allows exceptions for lawfully approved U.S. law-enforcement and intelligence activities. NSO claims the court failed to consider this exemption and that the injunction contradicts federal law.

According to the company:

• Agencies like the FBI could be barred from acquiring or using Pegasus again.
• The ruling would block tools that could help combat serious threats, including terrorism.
• Competitors in the surveillance market would face no such restrictions, putting NSO at a severe disadvantage.

The FBI previously purchased a limited Pegasus license and explored a deeper relationship with the vendor before halting plans.

NSO’s Recent Strategy Shift in the U.S.

The filing also follows NSO’s recent restructuring moves:

• Appointment of a former U.S. diplomat as its new executive chairman.
• Confirmation that American investors have acquired stakes in the company.

These changes appear designed to improve the vendor’s standing in the United States after years of controversy and its placement on a Commerce Department trade blacklist.

What Happens Next

The California court will now decide whether to pause the injunction while NSO appeals. If denied, the company warns it may face operational collapse—while WhatsApp and privacy advocates continue to push for accountability over the alleged misuse of spyware around the world.