India is facing a new wave of scrutiny over its alleged use of the NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware, following a recent US court ruling that holds the Israeli company liable for targeting 1,400 WhatsApp users. The ruling comes as India has long denied involvement in the scandal.
According to the US court decision, Meta-owned WhatsApp had filed a case against the NSO Group, alleging that the spyware was used to target devices belonging to Indian citizens, including journalists, politicians, and civil society members.
In 2021, reports emerged of over 300 Indian mobile numbers being targeted by Pegasus, including those of two serving ministers in the Narendra Modi government. The Indian government had denied any involvement, with IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stating that the reports had “no substance.”
However, unsealed documents from the WhatsApp vs NSO Group case revealed that the Israeli spyware maker downplayed its role in deploying Pegasus to customers, with WhatsApp alleging that the company’s customers had a “minimal role” in the deployment process.
The issue has sparked a face-off between states, with West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh both investigating alleged use of Pegasus. In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that her government had received an offer to purchase the spyware from the NSO Group, while in Andhra Pradesh, the YSRCP party accused the previous TDP government of using Pegasus to tap the phones of rival leaders.
The recent US court ruling has significant implications for India’s stance on the issue. With the country facing growing pressure to explain its alleged involvement in the Pegasus scandal, it remains to be seen how New Delhi will respond to this latest development.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/business/whatsapp-pegasus-ruling-us-india-9737575