End-to-end encryption on WhatsApp video calls means that the calls are secured with encryption so that only the people in the conversation can access the contents of the call. No third party, including WhatsApp itself, can decrypt the calls.
What is end-to-end encryption?
End-to-end encryption refers to a system where only the users who are communicating can access the plaintext version of the conversation. The encryption keys are stored only on the users’ devices, rather than a central server. This prevents any third parties, including the service provider, from being able to access the cryptographic keys needed to decrypt the conversation.
With end-to-end encryption, the conversation is encrypted on the sender’s device and only decrypted when it reaches the recipient’s device. The service provider handling the transmission of the message cannot decrypt it en route. This provides enhanced security and privacy compared to other encryption methods.
How does end-to-end encryption work in WhatsApp video calls?
Here is an overview of how end-to-end encryption works on WhatsApp video calls:
- Each user has a set of public and private cryptographic keys stored on their device.
- When initiating a video call, the app looks up the recipient’s public key and uses it to establish a secure connection.
- The video and audio feed for the call is encrypted on the sender’s device using the recipient’s public key before it leaves the device.
- The encrypted data is transmitted between the two devices across WhatsApp’s servers.
- When the data reaches the recipient, their private key is used to decrypt it so they can see and hear the call.
- Group video calls work similarly, with a unique encryption key generated for each call that is shared between all participants.
This process ensures that the call content remains inaccessible to anyone other than the intended recipient, including WhatsApp itself or potential hackers.
When was end-to-end encryption introduced on WhatsApp video calls?
WhatsApp first introduced end-to-end encryption for text messages and media in 2016. At that time, calls were not encrypted.
In 2020, WhatsApp announced that they were rolling out end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls for their over 2 billion users worldwide. The encryption was enabled by default for all one-to-one calls.
Shortly after, in early 2021, WhatsApp extended the same level of encryption to group voice and video calls with up to 8 participants. This means all WhatsApp calls, whether one-on-one or in a group, are now secured against third-party access.
Why is end-to-end encryption important for WhatsApp video calls?
There are several key reasons why having end-to-end encryption is important for WhatsApp video calls:
- Privacy – The calls are protected against unauthorized access and surveillance by third parties, including WhatsApp itself.
- Security – Encryption guards against man-in-the-middle attacks that could intercept or manipulate the call.
- User trust – Knowing calls are end-to-end encrypted builds greater user confidence and trust in WhatsApp.
- Global reach – Encryption allows WhatsApp to provide secure video calling globally, even where there are restrictions.
- Competitive advantage – End-to-end encrypted calls give WhatsApp a privacy edge over less secure alternatives.
In an era of heightened cybersecurity threats and online surveillance, having encryption by default is seen as an essential feature for a communications platform like WhatsApp.
What data is encrypted in a WhatsApp video call?
The encryption in WhatsApp video calls secures the following data exchanged during the call:
- Video footage from the sender’s camera
- Audio from the sender’s microphone
- Any files or media shared during the call
- Metadata about the call (time, participants, call type)
Importantly, the encryption covers the entire call from start to finish. It does not just encrypt pieces of the call. This prevents any meaningful intercepted data from being accessed.
What user data is not encrypted by WhatsApp?
While the contents of WhatsApp video calls are fully encrypted end-to-end, some user data remains visible to WhatsApp:
- Phone numbers and profile names of your contacts
- Profile photo you set for your account
- Group names and photos
- Your online/offline status
- Your last seen time and status
WhatsApp states that they may use this unencrypted data for the purposes of service operation, account support, safety, and security. However, they cannot see the content of your encrypted messages or calls.
Can WhatsApp decrypt video calls if required by law?
Due to the end-to-end encryption used on WhatsApp video calls, not even WhatsApp itself can decrypt calls or access their content. This has created tensions with law enforcement agencies who want access to conversations for investigative purposes.
WhatsApp cannot provide any call transcripts or recordings to authorities, even if legally required to under a subpoena or court order. The only data that WhatsApp can hand over about a video call is basic metadata such as the time, date, participants, and duration of the call.
There has been debate around whether WhatsApp should provide any “backdoors” in its encryption for legal authorities. However, WhatsApp has maintained that it will not weaken the security of user conversations for anyone.
How does WhatsApp handle requests for call data from authorities?
According to WhatsApp’s transparency report, here is how they handle requests from law enforcement and authorities for call data:
- They carefully scrutinize each request for user data to check validity.
- They provide notice to affected users whenever possible about requests.
- They only honor requests that are consistent with recognized human rights standards.
- The only data they can provide is basic metadata unprotected by WhatsApp encryption.
- They may object to requests that are improper or overbroad in scope.
WhatsApp maintains that they push back on bulk or improper requests while seeking to be transparent about government data requests.
Can you have end-to-end encrypted group video calls?
Yes, WhatsApp has end-to-end encryption enabled by default for group video calls in addition to one-on-one calls. This includes encryption for:
- Group video calls with up to 8 total participants.
- Group voice calls with up to 8 total participants.
The encryption protocols work similarly to one-to-one calls. A unique symmetric encryption key is generated for each group call and shared between all devices participating in the call. All participants must be active WhatsApp users for end-to-end encryption to be enabled.
Group calls have presented a bigger technical challenge to implement encryption. But WhatsApp has invested resources to extend the same level of security to group conversations.
Does end-to-end encryption slow down WhatsApp video calls?
Enabling end-to-end encryption for WhatsApp calls required overhauling the calling infrastructure and protocols. This raised concerns that encryption might degrade call quality or reliability compared to unencrypted alternatives.
However, WhatsApp engineered its encrypted calling system to minimize any impact on call performance. The company reports that enabling end-to-end encryption did not meaningfully affect call quality or connection speeds for the vast majority of calls.
There are many factors that can affect call performance like device capabilities, network conditions, and geographic location. But the base layer of encryption is designed to introduce minimal call latency during encoding/decoding.
Can you use WhatsApp video calls without encryption?
There is no setting or option to disable end-to-end encryption for WhatsApp calls. Encryption is always enabled by default.
Even if users wanted to make unencrypted calls over WhatsApp, the client apps and infrastructure do not support it. Both the signaling layer to set up the call and the media transfer layer to transmit audio/video are secured by end-to-end encryption.
The only way to have an unencrypted WhatsApp video call would be to use a man-in-the-middle attack to intercept the call and decrypt it. But this would be prohibitively difficult compared to just using another calling platform.
How does WhatsApp encryption compare to competitors?
| App | End-to-end call encryption? |
|---|---|
| Yes | |
| FaceTime | Yes |
| Signal | Yes |
| Skype | No |
| Zoom | No |
| Google Meet | No |
| Microsoft Teams | No |
WhatsApp is part of an elite group of consumer messaging apps that have implemented end-to-end encrypted video calling, alongside FaceTime and Signal. Other popular apps like Skype, Zoom, and Teams do not encrypt calls.
WhatsApp has the advantage of providing encryption across both mobile and web platforms. FaceTime is limited to Apple devices while Signal has more limited uptake. This makes WhatsApp encryption unique in scale.
Conclusion
End-to-end encryption for WhatsApp video calls represents a major advancement in securing real-time communication on the internet. By encrypting calls end-to-end by default, WhatsApp provides an important layer of privacy and security for over 2 billion users making voice and video calls globally each day.
While no system is completely impenetrable, WhatsApp’s encryption protocols are designed following best practices and recommendations from leading security experts. WhatsApp is committed to maintaining strong encryption standards across its platform.
Overall, end-to-end encryption meaningfully enhances trust and safety when using WhatsApp. Users can have peace of mind knowing their video call data stays private between conversation participants only.