Meta Platforms, Inc. has accused Israeli spyware maker NSO Group of violating a federal court order after WhatsApp disrupted a new phishing campaign allegedly linked to the company behind the Pegasus spyware. Meta has asked a U.S. federal court to hold NSO Group in contempt, alleging the company was connected to spear-phishing attempts targeting WhatsApp users despite a permanent injunction barring such activity. The company detected and blocked what it described as NSO-linked attacks that attempted to lure users into clicking malicious links directing them to websites outside WhatsApp.

Meta Seeks Contempt Finding Against NSO Group

Meta stated that the attackers tried to trick people into clicking on malicious links to drive them to external websites outside of WhatsApp, similar to previously reported 1-click phishing campaigns linked to NSO. The company added that it also identified and removed WhatsApp test accounts and groups allegedly created as part of the operation.

Pegasus Spyware And WhatsApp Security Concerns

The reported activity involved "one-click" phishing attacks, in which a single interaction with a malicious link can potentially compromise a device or expose sensitive data. Meta said that WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption was not breached and urged users to remain vigilant and report suspicious messages.

Growing Pressure On The Spyware Industry

NSO Group, which says its technology helps governments combat crime and terrorism, has faced years of scrutiny from regulators and human rights organizations. The Joe Biden administration sanctioned the company in 2021, citing activities deemed contrary to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.

According to Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings, Meta scores in the 89th percentile for growth, although its shares remain in a negative trend across short, medium, and long-term periods.

Meta Platforms Inc. is investing $115 million into America's Workforce Academy, a new initiative designed to train skilled tradespeople for data center construction and operations as the company accelerates its AI infrastructure buildout. The program aims to address the U.S. need for hundreds of thousands of workers to support the next phase of artificial intelligence development, providing free training and direct employment pathways for graduates. Former White House AI and Crypto Czar David Sacks highlighted the initiative, noting the rapid expansion of AI data centers is creating a growing shortage of skilled trades workers such as electricians, fiber technicians, and mechanical tradespeople. The first pilot locations will launch in Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio, and Texas in 2026, leveraging the educational ecosystem of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).

Program Structure and Benefits

Qualified job seekers who complete the online application process will receive scholarships covering travel, housing, and stipends for living expenses. The program includes a five-week hands-on education component that concludes with a job offer from contractors working on Meta projects. Participants will undergo career readiness and safety training before engaging in core and craft training at ABC chapter training centers in key markets such as Baton Rouge, Columbus, Indianapolis, and Houston.

Strategic Objectives

The partnership focuses on three primary goals to build a sustainable talent pipeline:

• Build a Sustainable Talent Pipeline: Establish scalable, repeatable workforce development models aligning industry, training providers, and workforce systems.
• Deliver Accelerated, Job-Ready Training: Provide standardized, industry-aligned training equipping participants with necessary skills and safety knowledge.
• Ensure Safety and Productivity From Day One: Prepare participants to meet industry and project-specific safety standards immediately.

Credentials and Execution

Participants who complete the program will receive industry-recognized credentials from the National Center for Construction Education and Research and an America's Workforce Certificate designed to be transferable across employers. ABC will leverage its network of 67 chapters and over 800 apprenticeship, craft, safety, and management education programs across 20 occupations to execute the initiative. This includes 450 government-registered apprenticeship programs intended to support the delivery of the construction career readiness program nationwide. The initiative comes as Meta increases its long-term AI-related infrastructure spending, part of a broader $600 billion investment plan over three years.