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Judge dismisses spyware case brought by Salvadoran journalists targeted with Pegasus
October 2, 2026 · The Record · Severity: MEDIUM
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Salvadoran journalists who claimed they were targeted with NSO Group's Pegasus spyware, ruling that the court lacked jurisdiction in California. The decision deals a blow to efforts to hold spyware makers accountable in U.S. courts and highlights procedural barriers for foreign plaintiffs. 📌 **Analyst Note:** This ruling reinforces the jurisdictional hurdles that plaintiffs face in spyware litigation, potentially reducing deterrence for surveillance vendors. Security professionals should monitor for similar cases and advocate for clearer legal frameworks to address cross-border cyber espionage.
Key Takeaways
- A U.S. judge dismissed a spyware lawsuit brought by Salvadoran journalists from El Faro against NSO Group, ruling that the plaintiffs failed to establish that the case had proper jurisdiction in California.
- The journalists alleged they were targeted with Pegasus spyware, but the court's decision highlights the legal challenges victims face when seeking accountability from foreign surveillance technology companies in U.S. courts.
- This dismissal underscores the difficulty of litigating cross-border spyware cases and may embolden vendors like NSO Group, while leaving victims with limited legal recourse for privacy violations.