WhatsApp has sued&nbsp;Israeli cyber surveillance company NSO Group, accusing it of hacking the phones of 1400 people including senior government officials, human rights activists and journalists.

In new court filings, the messaging company alleged that&nbsp;Israeli spyware company used US-based servers to hack&nbsp;more than a dozen Indian journalists and Rwandan dissidents and therefore, bears responsibility in serious human rights violations.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nso-snoop-row-how-pegasus-broke-into-whatsapp-260055">Explainer: NSO spygate row - How Pegasus broke into WhatsApp</a>

WhatsApp has said victims of the hack received phone calls using its messaging app, and were infected with Pegasus.&nbsp;

In the lawsuit,&nbsp;it&nbsp;revealed&nbsp;more technical details about how the hacking software, Pegasus, which is allegedly deployed against targets.

According to WhatsApp’s filing, NSO gained ''unauthorized access” to its servers by reverse-engineering the messaging app and then evading the company’s security features that prevent manipulation of the company’s call features.''

Watch: The WhatsApp hack — What is the Pegasus?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-whatsapp-hack-what-is-the-pegasus-259352/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

''It used a network of computers to monitor and update Pegasus after it was implanted on users’ devices. These NSO-controlled computers served as the nerve centre through which NSO controlled its customers’ operation and use of Pegasus.''

It is demanding a permanent injunction blocking NSO from attempting to access its computer systems and those of its parent company, Facebook.

NSO Group has been claiming that its spyware is purchased by government clients for the purpose of tracking down terrorists and other criminals and that it had no independent knowledge of how those clients, which in the past have reportedly included Saudi Arabia and Mexico, use its hacking software.

WhatsApp has sued Israeli cyber surveillance company NSO Group, accusing it of hacking the phones of 1400 people including senior government officials, human rights activists and journalists.

WhatsApp has sued Israeli cyber surveillance company NSO Group, accusing it of hacking the phones of 1400 people including senior government officials, human rights activists and journalists. In new court filings, the messaging company alleged that Israeli spyware company used US-based servers to hack more than a dozen Indian journalists and Rwandan dissidents and therefore, bears responsibility in serious human rights violations. Also read: Explainer: NSO spygate row - How Pegasus broke into WhatsApp WhatsApp has said victims of the hack received phone calls using its messaging app, and were infected with Pegasus. In the lawsuit, it revealed more technical details about how the hacking software, Pegasus, which is allegedly deployed against targets. According to WhatsApp’s filing, NSO gained ''unauthorized access” to its servers by reverse-engineering the messaging app and then evading the company’s security features that prevent manipulation of the company’s call features.'' Watch: The WhatsApp hack — What is the Pegasus? ''It used a network of computers to monitor and update Pegasus after it was implanted on users’ devices. These NSO-controlled computers served as the nerve centre through which NSO controlled its customers’ operation and use of Pegasus.'' It is demanding a permanent injunction blocking NSO from attempting to access its computer systems and those of its parent company, Facebook. NSO Group has been claiming that its spyware is purchased by government clients for the purpose of tracking down terrorists and other criminals and that it had no independent knowledge of how those clients, which in the past have reportedly included Saudi Arabia and Mexico, use its hacking software.

WhatsApp sues Israeli firm over 'deep involvement' in hacking phones

US will not lift sanctions to negotiate with Iran: Donald Trump

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded on Sunday by tweeting an excerpt from an interview where he said Iran is still open to negotiations with America if sanctions are lifted. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-not-lift-sanctions-to-negotiate-with-iran-donald-trump-276694">Read more</a>

Paris cancels Lunar New Year parade due to China's viral outbreak

On Friday, France's health ministry said three people who had recently travelled to China were confirmed to have contracted the virus - the first cases in Europe. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-cancels-lunar-new-year-parade-due-to-chinas-viral-outbreak-276669">Read more</a>

Dozens pulled from rubble as Turkey quake toll hits 35

31 killed, 1,600 injured; earthquake followed by more than 700 aftershocks, as per data from Disaster and Emergency Authority of Turkey. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-pulled-from-rubble-as-turkey-quake-toll-hits-35-276666">Read more</a>

Beijing to postpone reopening of city's kindergartens, schools, universities: Report

The measures are aimed at preventing the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus, the report added quoting CNR. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-to-postpone-reopening-of-citys-kindergartens-schools-universities-report-276635">Read more</a>

Erdogan states that Haftar cannot be expected to respect Libya truce

Eastern military commander Khalifa Haftar is violating Libya's truce and so cannot be expected to respect the ceasefire called between his forces and pro-government troops, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-states-that-haftar-cannot-be-expected-to-respect-libya-truce-276633">Read more</a>

China warns that the ability of the virus to spread is getting stronger

Virus with an infection rate of 2,000 people and a global kill count of 56 traced to a seafood market in Wuhan that was illegally selling wildlife. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-that-the-ability-of-the-virus-to-spread-is-getting-stronger-276630">Read more</a>

Post-Brexit UK trade deal with US 'optimistic', says Treasury Secretary Mnuchin

"One of the challenges of dealing with the EU is that even within the EU they have different views," he added. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/post-brexit-uk-trade-deal-with-us-optimistic-mnuchin-276612">Read more</a>

Iraqi security forces raid protest camps after Sadr supporters withdraw

Clashes erupted later in the day as authorities removed concrete barriers near Baghdad's Tahrir Square, where demonstrators have camped out for months. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-security-forces-raid-protest-camps-after-sadr-supporters-withdraw-276610">Read more</a>

Trump caught saying 'get rid' of Ukraine ambassador on tape: Report

"Get rid of her!" Trump says on the tape, reportedly addressing a White House aide at the dining table. "Get her out tomorrow. I don't care. Get her out tomorrow. Take her out. OK? Do it." <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-caught-saying-get-rid-of-ukraine-ambassador-on-tape-report-276592">Read more</a>

Federer roars into record 15th Australian Open quarter-final

The Swiss master took time to work out the Hungarian but when he did it was one-way traffic, romping to a 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 victory on Rod Laver Arena. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/federer-roars-into-record-15th-australian-open-quarter-final-276690">Read more</a>

US will not lift sanctions to negotiate with Iran: Donald Trump Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded on Sunday by tweeting an excerpt from an interview where he said Iran is still open to negotiations with America if sanctions are lifted.

US will not lift sanctions to negotiate with Iran: Donald Trump Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded on Sunday by tweeting an excerpt from an interview where he said Iran is still open to negotiations with America if sanctions are lifted. Read more Paris cancels Lunar New Year parade due to China's viral outbreak On Friday, France's health ministry said three people who had recently travelled to China were confirmed to have contracted the virus - the first cases in Europe. Read more Dozens pulled from rubble as Turkey quake toll hits 35 31 killed, 1,600 injured; earthquake followed by more than 700 aftershocks, as per data from Disaster and Emergency Authority of Turkey. Read more Beijing to postpone reopening of city's kindergartens, schools, universities: Report The measures are aimed at preventing the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus, the report added quoting CNR. Read more Erdogan states that Haftar cannot be expected to respect Libya truce Eastern military commander Khalifa Haftar is violating Libya's truce and so cannot be expected to respect the ceasefire called between his forces and pro-government troops, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday. Read more China warns that the ability of the virus to spread is getting stronger Virus with an infection rate of 2,000 people and a global kill count of 56 traced to a seafood market in Wuhan that was illegally selling wildlife. Read more Post-Brexit UK trade deal with US 'optimistic', says Treasury Secretary Mnuchin "One of the challenges of dealing with the EU is that even within the EU they have different views," he added. Read more Iraqi security forces raid protest camps after Sadr supporters withdraw Clashes erupted later in the day as authorities removed concrete barriers near Baghdad's Tahrir Square, where demonstrators have camped out for months. Read more Trump caught saying 'get rid' of Ukraine ambassador on tape: Report "Get rid of her!" Trump says on the tape, reportedly addressing a White House aide at the dining table. "Get her out tomorrow. I don't care. Get her out tomorrow. Take her out. OK? Do it." Read more Federer roars into record 15th Australian Open quarter-final The Swiss master took time to work out the Hungarian but when he did it was one-way traffic, romping to a 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 victory on Rod Laver Arena. Read more

Top 10 world news today: Coronavirus outbreak in China, Federer enters Australian Open quarter-finals and more

UN officials have been instructed not to use Whatsapp, the app owned by Facebook. “The senior officials at the UN have been instructed not to use WhatsApp, it’s not supported as a secure mechanism,” was the justification given by UN spokesman Farhan Haq. The&nbsp;statement comes amid accusations levelled by Jeff Bezos on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as the latter allegedly used a Whatsapp message to hack the Amazon CEO's iPhone.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in China, the&nbsp;fatal coronavirus death toll&nbsp;rose to 26 on Friday, with the Chinese government locking down millions in their cities in an attempt to control the spread of the deadly SARS-like virus.

Here are the top-10 world news of the day:

Coronavirus: 26 dead and millions on lockdown; China to build new hospital within 10 days

China is hurrying to assemble another emergency clinic in just 10 days to treat patients at the focal point of a fatal virus outbreak that has stricken several individuals, state media announced Friday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-26-dead-and-millions-on-lockdown-china-to-build-new-hospital-within-10-days-276334">Read More.</a>

Donald Trump 'should be removed': Adam Schiff

Lead House&nbsp;impeachment&nbsp;manager&nbsp;Adam Schiff&nbsp;called dramatically for the Senate to remove President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;from office, saying the US leader cannot be trusted to put the country's interests ahead of his own. "The American people deserve a president they can count on, to put their interest first," said Schiff.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-should-be-removed-impeachment-trial-276268">Read More</a>

UN instructs officials not to use WhatsApp; not supported as a secure mechanism, says spokesman

A UN spokesman has informed that UN officials not to&nbsp;use Facebook-owned Whatsapp to communicate.&nbsp;UN spokesman Farhan Haq said: “The senior officials at the UN have been instructed not to use WhatsApp, it’s not supported as a secure mechanism.” <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-instructs-officials-not-to-use-whatsapp-not-supported-as-a-secure-mechanism-says-spokesman-276367">Read More.</a>

Angry Saudis tweet to boycott Amazon over Crown Prince's alleged involvement in hacking Bezos' phone

Twitter is being flooded by pro-Saudi posts in defence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who has been accused of&nbsp;hacking Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos' iPhone.&nbsp;Riyadh dismissed the accusations on Tuesday and called them&nbsp;absurd. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/angry-saudis-tweet-to-boycott-amazon-over-crown-princes-alleged-involvement-in-hacking-bezos-phone-276374">Read More.</a>

Musharraf seeks mercy from Pakistan President Alvi over death penalty

Former&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;President and ex-army general Pervez Musharaff has forwarded a mercy plea to&nbsp;President&nbsp;Dr Arif Alvi. In the&nbsp;petition sent by Musharaff to the President of Pakistan, he argued that he was unlawfully given the death penalty without being given an opportunity to contest the verdict.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/musharraf-pleas-pakistans-president-for-mercy-276378">Read More.</a>

Thousands join anti-US rally in Baghdad, rattling rival protesters

Thousands of supporters of volatile Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr gathered in&nbsp;Baghdad&nbsp;on Friday for a "million-strong" march to demand the ouster of US troops, putting the protest-hit capital on edge. "Get out, get out, occupier!" some shouted, while others chanted, "Yes to sovereignty!"&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-join-anti-us-rally-in-baghdad-rattling-rival-protesters-276332">Read More.</a>

Trump administration rolls back law preventing pollution in drinking water sources

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalised a move that removes millions of miles of streams and around 50 per cent of America’s wetlands from federal oversight, which will potentially give a free hand to pesticides and other pollutants be dumped without penalty. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-rolls-back-law-preventing-pollution-in-drinking-water-sources-276317">Read More.</a>

Malaysian rights group sues Singapore minister over false news law

Singapore's interior minister was sued Friday by a&nbsp;Malaysian&nbsp;human rights group in a bid to prevent the city-state from enforcing its law against false information in Malaysia. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-rights-group-sues-singapore-minister-over-false-news-law-276299">Read More.</a>

Philippines President Duterte threatens to end US military pact

Philippine President&nbsp;Rodrigo Duterte&nbsp;has threatened to end a pact key to annual war games with American troops if the US does not restore the travel visa of an official who oversaw his drug war. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-duterte-threatens-to-end-us-military-pact-276289">Read More.</a>

Locust plague devastates crops in Horn of Africa

Swarms of desert locusts are wreaking havoc across the Horn of Africa, having&nbsp;damaged tens of thousands of hectares&nbsp;so far, according to reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/locust-plague-devastates-crops-in-horn-of-africa-276267">Read More.</a>

UN officials have been instructed not to use Whatsapp, the app owned by Facebook. “The senior officials at the UN have been instructed not to use WhatsApp, it’s not supported as a secure mechanism,” was the justification given by UN spokesman Farhan Haq.

UN officials have been instructed not to use Whatsapp, the app owned by Facebook. “The senior officials at the UN have been instructed not to use WhatsApp, it’s not supported as a secure mechanism,” was the justification given by UN spokesman Farhan Haq. The statement comes amid accusations levelled by Jeff Bezos on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as the latter allegedly used a Whatsapp message to hack the Amazon CEO's iPhone. Meanwhile, in China, the fatal coronavirus death toll rose to 26 on Friday, with the Chinese government locking down millions in their cities in an attempt to control the spread of the deadly SARS-like virus. Here are the top-10 world news of the day: Coronavirus: 26 dead and millions on lockdown; China to build new hospital within 10 days China is hurrying to assemble another emergency clinic in just 10 days to treat patients at the focal point of a fatal virus outbreak that has stricken several individuals, state media announced Friday. Read More. Donald Trump 'should be removed': Adam Schiff Lead House impeachment manager Adam Schiff called dramatically for the Senate to remove President Donald Trump from office, saying the US leader cannot be trusted to put the country's interests ahead of his own. "The American people deserve a president they can count on, to put their interest first," said Schiff.Read More UN instructs officials not to use WhatsApp; not supported as a secure mechanism, says spokesman A UN spokesman has informed that UN officials not to use Facebook-owned Whatsapp to communicate. UN spokesman Farhan Haq said: “The senior officials at the UN have been instructed not to use WhatsApp, it’s not supported as a secure mechanism.” Read More. Angry Saudis tweet to boycott Amazon over Crown Prince's alleged involvement in hacking Bezos' phone Twitter is being flooded by pro-Saudi posts in defence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who has been accused of hacking Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos' iPhone. Riyadh dismissed the accusations on Tuesday and called them absurd. Read More. Musharraf seeks mercy from Pakistan President Alvi over death penalty Former Pakistan President and ex-army general Pervez Musharaff has forwarded a mercy plea to President Dr Arif Alvi. In the petition sent by Musharaff to the President of Pakistan, he argued that he was unlawfully given the death penalty without being given an opportunity to contest the verdict. Read More. Thousands join anti-US rally in Baghdad, rattling rival protesters Thousands of supporters of volatile Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr gathered in Baghdad on Friday for a "million-strong" march to demand the ouster of US troops, putting the protest-hit capital on edge. "Get out, get out, occupier!" some shouted, while others chanted, "Yes to sovereignty!" Read More. Trump administration rolls back law preventing pollution in drinking water sources The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalised a move that removes millions of miles of streams and around 50 per cent of America’s wetlands from federal oversight, which will potentially give a free hand to pesticides and other pollutants be dumped without penalty. Read More. Malaysian rights group sues Singapore minister over false news law Singapore's interior minister was sued Friday by a Malaysian human rights group in a bid to prevent the city-state from enforcing its law against false information in Malaysia. Read More. Philippines President Duterte threatens to end US military pact Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to end a pact key to annual war games with American troops if the US does not restore the travel visa of an official who oversaw his drug war. Read More. Locust plague devastates crops in Horn of Africa Swarms of desert locusts are wreaking havoc across the Horn of Africa, having damaged tens of thousands of hectares so far, according to reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization. Read More.

Top 10 world news today: Coronavirus death toll rises in China, UN on WhatsApp and more

A UN spokesman has informed that UN officials do not use Facebook-owned Whatsapp to communicate.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeff-all-of-what-you-hear-or-told-its-not-true-saudi-crown-princes-text-to-bezos-276150">Also Read:&nbsp;'Jeff all of what you hear or told... it's not true': Saudi Crown Prince Salman's text to Bezos</a>

UN spokesman Farhan Haq said: “The senior officials at the UN have been instructed not to use WhatsApp, it’s not supported as a secure mechanism.”

Haq's revelation comes amid allegation of Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman using a WhatsApp message to hack Amazon chief Jeff Bezos phone.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/saudi-slams-amazon-founder-jeff-bezos-after-hacking-charges-276348/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Saudi Arabia, however, dismissed the allegation calling it "absurd" while calling for an investigation into the allegation.

The UN spokesman in fact said not only just UN officials Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also does not use Whatsapp. The spokesman said the UN had issued a directive in June last year not to use WhatsApp.

"I do not believe the secretary-general uses it,” Haq said.

The Bezos phone hacking created a storm with the White House declaring that it was taking the issue "seriously" even as UN experts demanded an immediate investigation by the US and other authorities.

UN officials said information pointed to "possible involvement" of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman into the alleged cyberattack which took place two years ago.

The UN report alleged with "medium to high confidence" that Jeff Bezos' iPhone was hijacked by a malware video file sent from a WhatsApp account allegedly used by the Saudi Crown Prince in May 2018.

A UN spokesman has informed that UN officials do not use Facebook-owned Whatsapp to communicate. Also Read: 'Jeff all of what you hear or told... it's not true': Saudi Crown Prince Salman's text to Bezos UN spokesman Farhan Haq said: “The senior officials at the UN have been instructed not to use WhatsApp, it’s not supported as a secure mechanism.

A UN spokesman has informed that UN officials do not use Facebook-owned Whatsapp to communicate. Also Read: 'Jeff all of what you hear or told... it's not true': Saudi Crown Prince Salman's text to Bezos UN spokesman Farhan Haq said: “The senior officials at the UN have been instructed not to use WhatsApp, it’s not supported as a secure mechanism.” Haq's revelation comes amid allegation of Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman using a WhatsApp message to hack Amazon chief Jeff Bezos phone. Watch Video: Saudi Arabia, however, dismissed the allegation calling it "absurd" while calling for an investigation into the allegation. The UN spokesman in fact said not only just UN officials Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also does not use Whatsapp. The spokesman said the UN had issued a directive in June last year not to use WhatsApp. "I do not believe the secretary-general uses it,” Haq said. The Bezos phone hacking created a storm with the White House declaring that it was taking the issue "seriously" even as UN experts demanded an immediate investigation by the US and other authorities. UN officials said information pointed to "possible involvement" of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman into the alleged cyberattack which took place two years ago. The UN report alleged with "medium to high confidence" that Jeff Bezos' iPhone was hijacked by a malware video file sent from a WhatsApp account allegedly used by the Saudi Crown Prince in May 2018.

UN instructs officials not to use WhatsApp; not supported as a secure mechanism, says spokesman

Chhattisgarh government sets up panel to probe WhatsApp hacking row. Chhattisgarh principal secy will be heading the panel.

Chhattisgarh government sets up panel to probe WhatsApp hacking row

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - November 5th, 2019