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Popular messaging app WhatsApp has introduced a security feature on its app that helps secure users texts and calls with another user.
It has added an end-to-end encryption to all its messages. This means that except the user himself, no one else, not even the government, can have access to the messages nor the company can give any information even if it wanted to even in case of crisis or emergency.
“No one can see inside that message. Not cyber-criminals. Not hackers. Not oppressive regimes. Not even us,” according to the post on its app.
WhatsApp has given out all the details on its home page and even on the app explaining the encrypted security feature which ensures that only a sender and recipient of messages can read the messages and check the call history.
“From day one, we built WhatsApp to help you stay in touch with friends, share vital information during natural disasters, reconnect with departed families, or seek a better life. Some of your most personal moments are shared with WhatsApp, which is why we built end-to-end encryption into the latest versions of our app. When end-to-end encrypted, your messages, photos, videos, voice messages, documents, and calls are secured from falling into the wrong hands,” WhatsApp said in a blog, adding that safety and security is in its DNA.
Grappling with issues However, the move by this Facebook-owned popular messaging service might lead to conflicts with law enforcement agencies at a time when several countries, where WhatsApp operates, is grappling with issues related to terrorism. WhatsApp and another application called Telegram were allegedly used by the perpetrators of the November 13 Paris terror attacks.
But at the same time, such security measures will help stop sensitive records of users from being improperly accessed or stolen and thus curb cybercrime.
WhatsApp's announcement comes in a few days after US’ premier investigative body FBI broke into an encrypted iPhone. It is yet to be seen that how the Indian government authorities will react to this announcement as WhatsApp is being widely used in India and is an important market for the company, which was acquired by Facebook in 2014 for a whopping $19 billion in stock and cash.
WhatsApp further added in the blog: “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.”
Meanwhile, Paritosh Sharma, Head (Channel Partner Business) at PayUMoney, said that encrypted data can be encrypted and there are solutions available.
“There has to be a way either in the form of a special format backup given to government for security reasons or some other medium. But let’s face it, we live in a world which is un-predictable. Technology can be leveraged in the most negative ways and we need to ensure all gaps are plugged.
“We wouldn't want to see a world where terrorists in the name of encryption access technology and founders of such companies in their ego/ high-headedness don't pay heed to such conversations,” he added.
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