Behind the scenes of the negotiations, a struggle unfolds for the right to a second chance.
The NSO Group, known for developing the Pegasus spyware, is actively lobbying in the United States, seeking to cancel its blacklisting. Among the politicians with whom the lobbyists were in contact was Congressman Pete Sessions from Texas.
Since the beginning of the year, NSO has held eight meetings with various politicians, mostly Republicans. Issues related to the restrictions imposed by the US Department of Commerce, as well as the company's role in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, were discussed.
The company is trying to convince U.S. officials of the importance of its technology to fighting terrorism. However, the company's activities have been criticized in the past, as its spyware has been used to spy on human rights defenders and journalists, leading to serious human rights violations.
NSO also faces legal challenges in the U.S. Meta and its WhatsApp messenger sued the company for violations in the provision of evidence. WhatsApp claims that NSO refuses to disclose internal correspondence and Pegasus source code, making a fair trial impossible.
In addition to cases in the United States, NSO is involved in processes in the United Kingdom. Thus, the Supreme Court of London allowed the continuation of the lawsuit against Saudi Arabia for using Pegasus to spy on human rights defenders in the country. Activist Yahya Assiri said that holding such companies accountable is necessary to combat repression.
At the same time, NSO is fighting with Apple. The U.S. company is trying to close a lawsuit against NSO after Israeli government officials seized important files from the firm's headquarters. Apple fears that critical evidence will never again be available to the court.
NSO's lobbying campaign reveals how politics and business are intertwined, using connections and donations to circumvent official restrictions. In an attempt to regain its influence, the company manipulates crises and builds relationships with those who are willing to turn a blind eye to its past. This is a reminder that in a world of big interests, principles often give way to strategic compromises.
Source
The NSO Group, known for developing the Pegasus spyware, is actively lobbying in the United States, seeking to cancel its blacklisting. Among the politicians with whom the lobbyists were in contact was Congressman Pete Sessions from Texas.
Since the beginning of the year, NSO has held eight meetings with various politicians, mostly Republicans. Issues related to the restrictions imposed by the US Department of Commerce, as well as the company's role in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, were discussed.
The company is trying to convince U.S. officials of the importance of its technology to fighting terrorism. However, the company's activities have been criticized in the past, as its spyware has been used to spy on human rights defenders and journalists, leading to serious human rights violations.
NSO also faces legal challenges in the U.S. Meta and its WhatsApp messenger sued the company for violations in the provision of evidence. WhatsApp claims that NSO refuses to disclose internal correspondence and Pegasus source code, making a fair trial impossible.
In addition to cases in the United States, NSO is involved in processes in the United Kingdom. Thus, the Supreme Court of London allowed the continuation of the lawsuit against Saudi Arabia for using Pegasus to spy on human rights defenders in the country. Activist Yahya Assiri said that holding such companies accountable is necessary to combat repression.
At the same time, NSO is fighting with Apple. The U.S. company is trying to close a lawsuit against NSO after Israeli government officials seized important files from the firm's headquarters. Apple fears that critical evidence will never again be available to the court.
NSO's lobbying campaign reveals how politics and business are intertwined, using connections and donations to circumvent official restrictions. In an attempt to regain its influence, the company manipulates crises and builds relationships with those who are willing to turn a blind eye to its past. This is a reminder that in a world of big interests, principles often give way to strategic compromises.
Source
