Forget Apple vs. FBI: WhatsApp Encrypts Messages for All Users

Forget Apple vs. FBI: WhatsApp Encrypts Messages for All Users

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Apr 06, 2016

Instant messaging service WhatsApp is seeking to reassure its users about their privacy by encrypting all messages sent via its app.

In a blog post written by WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum, he explained that every conversation on the messaging service, whether it is a private or group chat, will have full end-to-end encryption, making the recipient the only person who can see the message.

“No one can see inside that message, not cybercriminals, not hackers and not oppressive regimes. Not even us.” Koum said in the blog. "End-to-end encryption helps make communication via WhatsApp private – sort of like a face-to-face conversation.”

The WhatsApp website explains that end-to-end encryption works by security messages with a lock, which only the recipient and sender are able to unlock and read with a special key. For added protection, every message sent has its own unique lock and key. All of this happens automatically; even WhatsApp cannot read the messages.

WhatsApp’s announcement comes within the wake of the most high-profile clash in the debate over encryption, made popular by Apple and the FBI. In February, the FBI asked Apple to unlock one of the San Bernardino shooter’s iPhones so that authorities could access his data. Apple refused, stating that creating a backdoor could be dangerous for all iPhone users.

An encrypted messaging platform like WhatsApp could motivate more court dates in the never ending conversation over data privacy between the government and technology companies.

 

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • NRF Supports Federal Bill to Thwart Retail Crime

    The National Retail Federation recently announced its support for the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025. The act was introduced by Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and Representative Dave Joyce, R-Ohio. Read Now

  • ISC West 2025 Brings Almost 29,000 Industry Professionals to Las Vegas

    ISC West 2025, organized by RX and in collaboration with the Security Industry Association, concluded at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas last week. The nation’s leading comprehensive and converged security event attracted nearly 29,000 industry professionals and left a lasting impression on the global security community. Over five action-packed days, ISC West welcomed more than 19,000 attendees and featured 750 exhibiting brands. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • Tradeshow Work Can Be Fun

    While at ISC West last week, I ran into numerous friends and associates all of which was a pleasant experience. The first question always seemed to be, “How many does this make for you?” Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • New Report Says 1 in 5 SMBs Would Be Forced to Shutter After Successful Cyberattack

    Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) play a crucial role in the U.S. economy, making up 99.9% of all businesses and contributing to half of the nation's GDP. However, these vital economic growth drivers face an escalating threat—cyberattacks that could put them out of business. Read Now

  • The Yellow Brick Road

    The road to and throughout Wednesday's and Thursday's ISC West was crowded but it was amazing. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
Most   Popular

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.