[Spooky23]

> 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?