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Is WhatsApp actually secure?

WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users. It promises end-to-end encryption, meaning messages are secure and can only be read by the sender and recipient. But is this truly the case? There are reasons to be skeptical about WhatsApp’s security claims. In this article, we’ll examine WhatsApp’s encryption, privacy policies, and ownership to determine if it can really be considered a secure and private messaging platform.

How Does WhatsApp’s Encryption Work?

WhatsApp uses the Signal encryption protocol to secure messages between users. This protocol provides end-to-end encryption that ensures messages can only be read on the sender’s and recipient’s devices. Specifically, it uses these encryption methods:

  • Messages are encrypted with keys that only the sender and recipient have access to.
  • Voice and video calls are also secured with end-to-end encryption.
  • The encryption keys change frequently to enhance security.
  • WhatsApp cannot access the content of messages or calls.

This seems to suggest WhatsApp has a robust encryption system in place to protect user privacy. However, there are some caveats:

  • Backups on Apple iCloud and Google Drive are not encrypted by default. Anyone gaining access to these backups could read WhatsApp messages.
  • Messages are decrypted on the recipient’s device before being displayed. So if a device is compromised, messages could be accessed.
  • Metadata like who messaged whom and when is not encrypted and could reveal user information.

So while the content of WhatsApp conversations has strong encryption, there are still potential vulnerabilities. Users should take care to enable encrypted backups and be aware metadata can expose some of their activity.

Does WhatsApp Collect User Data?

WhatsApp states in its privacy policy that it does not retain user messages nor can it read them due to end-to-end encryption. However, WhatsApp does collect some data from users:

  • Phone numbers – Collected to identify users and enable features like contacts syncing.
  • Usage and log data – Information on user activity and diagnostics to improve the service.
  • Device data – Data like OS version and mobile network used to provide notifications.
  • Location data – If location sharing is enabled, to provide location-based features.

Additionally, WhatsApp can access and collect your address book contacts, profile data, status updates, and more depending on your privacy settings.

While WhatsApp states it does not use this metadata for advertising purposes, its parent company Facebook may use it to improve ad targeting across its family of products. There are also concerns about governments accessing WhatsApp user data, which we’ll explore next.

Can Governments Access WhatsApp Data?

As part of Facebook, WhatsApp is subject to government requests for user data in many countries. While the content of messages is protected, metadata and non-message data can still be handed over to authorities.

According to WhatsApp’s transparency report, in 2020 it received:

  • 565,000 requests for information from governments around the world.
  • Provided information to governments in 83% of cases.
  • Over 2 million accounts had information provided to authorities.

WhatsApp pushes back against some government requests it sees as overbroad. But generally it complies with court-ordered requests that it deems valid and scoped appropriately.

However, WhatsApp has also faced pressure from governments to enable message access and weaken encryption. For example, in India and Brazil, authorities have demanded WhatsApp trace message origins to help fight crime. WhatsApp has so far refused these requests as they would require fundamentally changing its encrypted protocol.

But the ability for government authorities to access large amounts of metadata and non-message content from WhatsApp should still give pause to users worldwide concerned about privacy.

Who Owns and Operates WhatsApp?

WhatsApp is owned and operated by Facebook, having been acquired in 2014 for $19 billion. This has significant implications for the privacy and security of the app.

Since Facebook now has access to all of WhatsApp’s systems and data, it could theoretically compromise the encryption WhatsApp uses, even if there’s no evidence it has done so.

More broadly, Facebook has faced criticism regarding its handling of user data and privacy. It has access to WhatsApp data that could be used to feed algorithms and ad targeting systems across Facebook’s family of products.

The fact WhatsApp is owned by Facebook, which makes money from user data, calls into question its ability to be a truly private messaging platform. While Facebook claims it keeps WhatsApp user data separate, ultimately it has the power to access and leverage that data if it chose.

Major WhatsApp Privacy Issues and Controversies

Beyond the fundamental issues around WhatsApp’s ownership and encryption, there have been specific controversies that have emerged over time:

  • 2016 – WhatsApp’s privacy policy change. An update gave Facebook access to collect WhatsApp user data to improve ad targeting. This caused backlash and concern from users worldwide.
  • 2018 – WhatsApp fake news spread in India. Viral fake news on WhatsApp provoked mob violence and riots in India, showing the platform’s messaging can be misused.
  • 2019 – WhatsApp hacking with Pegasus. Governments used sophisticated malware from the NSO Group to hack into 1,400 WhatsApp accounts and read their data.
  • 2021 – WhatsApp’s new terms of service. An update caused confusion about letting Facebook access WhatsApp messages, leading to a major user migration to apps like Signal and Telegram.

These examples demonstrate how WhatsApp has repeatedly drawn criticism for exposing user data, enabling misinformation, and failing to fully protect user privacy. While it maintains encryption, other actions indicate WhatsApp cannot necessarily be trusted as a truly private platform.

Is WhatsApp More Secure Than SMS or Unencrypted Apps?

While WhatsApp has its flaws, there are still cases where it can be considered more secure than other forms of messaging:

SMS: WhatsApp is more secure than SMS text messaging. SMS has basically no encryption, making it trivial for providers, hackers, or governments to intercept text messages. WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption is vastly preferable.

Unencrypted apps: WhatsApp is more secure than messaging apps like standard SMS, Facebook Messenger, or Telegram (in default mode) that don’t encrypt messages end-to-end by default. The Signal protocol provides strong security advantages.

However, for ultimate privacy and control, open source encrypted apps like Signal tend to be preferable to WhatsApp. Overall, while not perfect, WhatsApp offers more privacy than unsecured communication. But users relying on it should understand its limitations.

How Can WhatsApp Improve User Privacy and Security?

Given the concerns around WhatsApp’s privacy protections, here are steps it could take to truly follow through on providing a secure messenger:

  • Offer end-to-end encrypted backups – WhatsApp currently allows unencrypted backups that could expose messages.
  • Minimize metadata collection – WhatsApp should limit unnecessary non-message data gathering.
  • Provide transparent updates – Clearly communicate any changes that impact user privacy or encryption.
  • Resist government pressure – Push back on requests to include backdoors or weaken encryption.
  • Open source code – Making WhatsApp’s code publicly auditable could ensure there are no hidden privacy infringements.
  • Independent audits – Routine third party audits could validate WhatsApp’s privacy and security standards.

While some changes seem unlikely under Facebook’s ownership, steps like these could go a long way towards rebuilding user trust.

Conclusion

WhatsApp promises users secure end-to-end encrypted messaging. However, given its track record, ownership by Facebook, vulnerabilities, and ability for government data access, it’s debatable whether it can be considered fully private and secure.

Users should approach WhatsApp aware of its limitations, especially compared to open source apps designed ground up for security. Still, it offers more privacy than unencrypted messengers. Ultimately, WhatsApp promotes private communication in some ways but falls short in others. Individual users must evaluate if its pros outweigh its cons for their needs.