The plot has thickened in a legal battle between the social media giant and surveillance vendor.

WhatsApp’s investigation traced WhatsApp accounts used in a sweeping attack on mobile users to NSO Group.

Similar spyware attacks have been detected against critics of the Mexican and Saudi governments.

Updated FinSpy implants for iOS and Android have been used in nearly 20 countries in the last year, according to Kaspersky.

Pension funds on both sides of the Atlantic are playing an unexpected role in the standoff between NSO Group and digital rights groups.

The current negativity toward encryption perpetuates misinformation and provides fodder for governments seeking to undermine security and privacy across the globe.