In a practice to which one of the most valuable companies in the world is regularly exposed, Apple is back in court. In this opportunity, to receive progress in the trial against the Israeli group NSO, creator of the famous Pegasus spywareafter the lawsuit filed in November 2021.
The judge overseeing the case granted NSO Group’s request to dismiss the U.S. trial in favor of a trial in Israel because it did not meet the requirements. Although he suggested that Apple would face the same challenges in Israel as NSO in the United States. Verbatim, Judge Donato declared:
NSO’s apparent burdens with respect to witnesses and evidence in this district are clearly outweighed by equivalent burdens that Apple would face if this case were litigated in Israel.
Apple’s lawsuit against Pegasus creator will continue in the United States
Pegasus, one of the most famous spyware used to monitor iOS and Android device users. It has been used by hackers in several countries, for purposes threatening users’ privacy and security. For this reason, Apple requested a court order permanently banning NSO Group from using the company’s software, services and devices.
At the time, Apple sued NSO Group and its parent company to hold them responsible for surveillance and targeted targeting of Apple device users and failure to comply with various laws. However, NSO argued that the grounds for which Apple sued the Pegasus maker were not applicable to the case.
Given this, Judge Donato disagreed. In his ruling, Judge Donato validated the basis of Apple’s lawsuit, asserting that NSO Group violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) and California’s Unfair Competition Act.
Additionally, the judge explained how the trial would continue. Thus, NSO will respond to Apple’s complaint by February 14, 2024. While a case management conference is scheduled for April 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
If you win the case, Apple Requests Lockdown Mode on iPhone, Apple Notifies Users They May Be Attacked by State-Level Attackers and the $10 million grant awarded by the Ford Foundation to support research into mercenary spyware threats.
