FBI’s problems worsens after WhatsApp Encrypts all User Data
WhatsApp are now encrypting end-to-end user data according to their blog post. That means the messages sent by the service's more than 1 billion users are scrambled up as they travel through WhatsApp's systems and across the Internet, and only the recipient can see or hear them. That's sure to add tension to the already high-stakes encryption debate raging between Silicon Valley and the US Federal government. The issue at stake is whether government investigators should have a way to pry into our data and communications. Tech companies say no.
In February, Apple had a bitter battle over the FBI whether it would help investigators hack into the encrypted iPhone of San Bernardino shooter Syed Farook. The conflict abruptly ended out when the FBI said it found a way to unlock the phone without Apple's help, but the debate is unresolved. Even if it wanted to, WhatsApp says it couldn't hand over data from its users. The announcement comes in a not surprising but albeit a better move and indirectly displays a raised middle finger to the government of Brazil, which is trying to get its hands on WhatsApp user data in a criminal investigation. If someone gets their hands on your phone, they might be able to see your messages. Unless, of course, your phone is encrypted too.
"WhatsApp has always prioritized making your data and communication as secure as possible. And today, we're proud to announce that we've completed a technological development that makes WhatsApp a leader in protecting your private communication: full end-to-end encryption. From now on when you and your contacts use the latest version of the app, every call you make, and every message, photo, video, file, and voice message you send, is end-to-end encrypted by default, including group chats. When you send a message, the only person who can read it is the person or group chat that you send that message to. No one can see inside that message. Not cybercriminals. Not hackers. Not oppressive regimes. Not even us.
All you need to know is that end-to-end encrypted messages can only be read by the recipients you intend. And if you're using the latest version of WhatsApp, you don't have to do a thing to encrypt your messages: end-to-end encryption is on by default and all the time. We live in a world where more of our data is digitized than ever before. Every day we see stories about sensitive records being improperly accessed or stolen. And if nothing is done, more of people's digital information and communication will be vulnerable to attack in the years to come. Fortunately, end-to-end encryption protects us from these vulnerabilities. Today more than a billion people are using WhatsApp to stay in touch with their friends and family all over the world. And now, every single one of those people can talk freely and securely on WhatsApp." WhatsApp's blog post read.
