How WhatsApp Got Hacked
About this episode
Recently, Facebook filed a lawsuit against a little-known Israeli spyware firm called NSO Group. Facebook is accusing NSO of supplying technology that enabled a hack of 1,400 WhatsApp accounts.
But NSO’s reach goes far beyond a few thousand phones. Governments around the world purchase its powerful technology. Some use it to “lawfully hack” the devices of criminals and terrorists. But others use it more broadly, tracking the communications of activists, journalists, lawyers, and dissidents.
What does the WhatsApp lawsuit mean for the spyware industry? And why are governments lining up to buy these products?
Need to set up your Slate Plus feed? If you subscribed through Slate.com, check out our FAQ at slate.com/podcastfaqs for easy instructions. Members subscribed via Apple Podcasts get automatic access—no setup required.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get every episode summarized
Each time What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future
Meta Settled. Is it a "Reckoning?"
What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future
A.I. Enshittifies Everything (Still)
What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future
Can the Midterms Withstand Prediction Markets?
What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future
Are Flock Cameras Watching You?
What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future