The Meta-owned messaging app sued NSO Group in 2019 for trying to hack 1,400 users. NSO, however, says its technology 'plays a critical role in preventing serious crime and terrorism.'

The case caps a six-year battle between the social media giant and the surveillance firm, casting an unusual amount of light on the spyware industry.

An eight-person jury granted Meta $444,719 in compensatory damages to cover the costs of addressing the breach, plus an additional $167.25 million in punitive damages intended to discourage similar future actions by NSO, according to a court filing with the US District Court for the Northn District of California.