Judge dismisses El Faro journalists’ lawsuit over Pegasus spying
A California federal judge tossed the lawsuit filed by El Faro reporters on October 2, 2026, ruling that the case lacks jurisdiction in the state.
The suit, filed on behalf of the journalists by the Knight First Amendment Institute in November 2022, accused Israel‑based NSO Group of using its Pegasus spyware to collect data from the reporters. The plaintiffs asked the court to order NSO to delete the harvested information and to reveal the client that commissioned the surveillance.
Why the dismissal matters
Although the case was dismissed, it highlights the challenges of bringing cross‑border cyber‑espionage claims before U.S. courts. A prior dismissal in March 2024 labeled the action “entirely foreign,” underscoring jurisdictional limits.
Who’s affected
All four plaintiffs work for the independent Salvadoran news outlet El Faro, known for investigative reporting on corruption and organized crime. Their alleged targeting shows how commercial spyware can be directed at journalists covering sensitive topics.
Next steps and defensive posture
The Knight First Amendment Institute said it will appeal the dismissal, indicating the legal battle may continue elsewhere. In the meantime, organisations can mitigate spyware risk by:
- Keeping operating systems and applications patched.
- Restricting the installation of unknown mobile profiles or certificates.
- Deploying mobile‑device management tools that enforce encryption and remote‑wipe capabilities.
- Training staff to recognise phishing and social‑engineering attempts that often precede spyware infection.
NSO Group did not immediately respond to a request for comment.