WhatsApp usually makes it a big thing they introduced end-to-end encryption. It’s a demonstration of how the larger corporate behind the messaging service, Facebook, values privacy and individual freedom of speech.
Only, it turns out, messages sent through WhatsApp are not that private as they seem to be. ProPublica found and validate how Facebook can still screen private messages despite their “end-to-end encryption”.
Usually, I’d say this comes to no surprise. However, I’d rather take this as an opportunity to recommend signal.org as an alternative. The team at Signal is committed to the mission of developing open source privacy technology that protects free expression and enables secure global communication. It is recognised by the community.
WhatsApp assures users that no one can see their messages — but the company has an extensive monitoring operation and regularly shares personal information with prosecutors.
Source: ProPublica
Marcus Schuler, Correspondent for the German Public Broadcasters in the US, brought the findings to German media, here Tagesschau.de:
Bislang hat WhatsApp, das zu Facebook gehört, immer behauptet, alle Nachrichten seien geheim. Niemand könne sie lesen. Das US-Magazin “ProPublica” hat jetzt festgestellt, dass das nicht die volle Wahrheit ist. Von Marcus Schuler.
Source: tagesschau.de