Apple won a lawsuit against NSO Group today. Apple sued spyware maker Pegasus in November 2021, but the Israeli firm is trying to export Apple's lawsuit to its homeland.
An early victory for Apple comes in the form of Judge Donato rejecting NSO Group's request to dismiss Apple's lawsuit entirely.
In short, Judge Donato ruled that NSO Group&# The US President's request for dismissal in the US in favor of a trial in Israel was not adequate. Instead, Judge Donato suggested that Apple would face the same problems in Israel that NSO faces in the US. Here is a fragment of the solution:
These factors are deception. NSO's ostensible burden on witnesses and evidence in this district is neatly balanced by the equivalent burden Apple would face if this case were tried in Israel. Witnesses and evidence are likely to be located here and abroad alike, and one side or the other will face some challenges. The NSO has not demonstrated otherwise. The NSO also overlooks the fact that problems can be solved through a range of mitigation measures.
Washing indeed. Separately, NSO said the grounds on which Apple sued Pegasus were not applicable to the case. Judge Donato disagreed. In his decision, Judge Donato upheld Apple's lawsuit, which alleges that NSO Group violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) and the California Unfair Competition Law.
Back to Judge Donato:
Back to Judge Donato:
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NSO's motion to dismiss is denied in all respects. As a next step, NSO will respond to Apple's complaint by February 14, 2024. A case conference is scheduled for April 4, 2024 at 10:00
am. SO ORDERED.
What does this mean for Apple? This is an early victory in the lawsuit, confirming Apple's grounds for suing NSO Group. In addition, Judge Donato did not seem too impressed with NSO Group's attempts to dismiss the case based on what was written in his decision to allow the case to proceed in the United States.
An Apple spokesperson said. 9to5Mac reported that the company will continue to protect users from 21st century mercenaries such as NSO Group. Apple says the lawsuit against spyware maker Pegasus is part of a broader effort to protect users. These efforts include a blocking mode on iPhones, Apple notifying users who may be victims of nation-state attackers, and a $10 million grant through the Ford Foundation to support research into mercenary spyware threats.
Read more
- Pegasus Spyware Compared to Nuclear Weapons, CEO Says
- Pegasus Spyware Journalists , extreme privacy measures had to be taken.
- Victims of Pegasus spyware were warned by Apple during the military conflict.
- Pegasus spyware was used in at least five EU countries.