Isn't NSO just a poor-man's NSA, since the NSA can force Google/Apple/Microsoft/Amazon/[Any Carrier] to do anything to any number of devices or data, and in secret?
NSO is used to keep those with money and access to NSO in power undermine their legitimate rivals. It can be used to plant evidence on their devices as well as monitor everything they do.
To clarify, are you arguing that NSO Group have had a bigger impact on innocent people, suppression of speech, etc. than the NSA?
If so, I'm not sure I buy what you seem to be arguing, that "NSO case in India" and "It can be used to plant evidence" makes it anywhere near as bad as what the NSA has done/does. In my opinion this is exactly how a "poor-man's NSA" would look: What your money can buy from greedy corporations protected by nasty governments.
>legitimate opposition
Who decides what is legitimate though? It sounds like weasel words to me, just like "terrorists" (that get defined by those in power and then maybe later becomes revolutionists and heroes if they actually win). Going after Snowden, torture in Guantanamo, and using three letter agencies for industrial espionage is also "legitimate".
> arguing that NSO Group have had a bigger impact on innocent people, suppression of speech, etc. than the NSA?
I'm not the OP, but maybe a way to put it is that impacts are more variable or chaotic?
Generally speaking, the "impact" of a US government entity is reasonably predictable based on US policy and interests. Something like NSO, where tools are sold on the market to many entities are probably less predictable and thus more impactful. I'd expect a lower level of operational discipline from <random mideast state> than from the US military.
The other factor is who are NSO Group's masters, and what do they know? If <random mideast state 1> compromises <random mideast state 2>, does <third party> get intel?
Intelligence agencies don't force people to do things, their operations are covert. It's the DoD/FBI that will force things and issue gag orders. Think of the intelligence agencies as Ninja, and the FBI/law enforcement as Samurai.
NSO is used to keep those with money and access to NSO in power undermine their legitimate rivals. It can be used to plant evidence on their devices as well as monitor everything they do.