WhatsApp has reaffirmed that all messages sent on its platform are private and fully protected through end-to-end encryption, using the open-source Signal protocol.
The company said encryption occurs directly on users’ devices, ensuring that messages are encrypted before leaving the device.
The plartform said that only the intended recipient has the keys to decrypt messages, and these keys are not accessible to WhatsApp or its parent company, Meta.
“Any claim that people's WhatsApp messages are not encrypted is categorically false. WhatsApp has been end-to-end encrypted using the Signal protocol for a decade and no one but the intended recipient can read your personal messages,” the statement read.
“Your WhatsApp messages are private. We use the open-source Signal protocol to encrypt them. Encryption happens on your device, messages are encrypted before leaving your device, only the intended recipient has the keys to decrypt messages. The message encryption keys are not accessible to WhatsApp or Meta any claims to the contrary are false.”
The clarification comes amid circulating information online regarding the security of WhatsApp communications.
The company urged users to trust in the encryption protocols that have safeguarded its platform for over ten years.
On Wednesday January 28,
WhatsApp announced a new feature called Strict Account Settings, a lockdown-style security tool designed to further protect users from highly sophisticated cyber attacks.The company said the feature will be particularly useful for individuals who may be at heightened risk, including journalists and public figures.
The messaging platform, which already provides end-to-end encryption for all personal messages and calls, said Strict Account Settings adds an extra layer of protection for those facing rare but advanced cyber threats.
“With just a few taps, users can lock their account to the most restrictive settings, including automatically blocking attachments and media from unknown senders, silencing calls from people they don’t know, and restricting other settings that may limit how the app works,” WhatsApp said.
The feature will roll out in the coming weeks. Users can activate it by navigating to settings- Privacy- Advanced on their devices.
WhatsApp said the new tool is part of its ongoing efforts to provide private and secure communication for all users while offering enhanced safeguards for those at risk of sophisticated attacks.
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