WhatsApp Provides Encryption for Chat Again-Ups, Closing a Loophole in its Privacy Techniques

Facebook wants to expand WhatsApp’s privacy options even further by giving users the ability to encrypt your message backups It also adds another layer of security to your private WhatsApp communications.

Currently, all WhatsApp messages are end-to-end encrypted by default, which has become a key value proposition for the app given growing concerns about digital traces of data and privacy.

In a moment, this will be extended to your data history as well – explained by Whatsapp:

“People can already back up their WhatsApp message history using cloud-based services like Google Drive and iCloud. WhatsApp has no access to these backups and they are backed up by the individual cloud-based storage services. But now, when people choose to enable end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) backups, neither WhatsApp nor the backup service provider can access their backup or backup encryption key. “

The move will provide additional security for WhatsApp users, which is likely important given the perceptual success the platform suffered earlier this year when it announced an update Privacy Policy. This change, which allows for additional data exchange between WhatsApp and parent company Facebook, was seen by many as a watering down of WhatsApp’s fundamental approach to individual privacy. As a result, many users switched to alternative messaging platforms to get away from the prying eyes of Zuckerberg and his cohorts.

The update was not a violation of WhatsApp’s long-standing data protection approach and only related to communication between individuals and companies in WhatsApp and the subsequent contact that resulted from this. But still the backlash was significant enough for WhatsApp to do it delay the change to explain it better, and for Facebook managers to take a PR push to stem the tide of users who want to leave the platform.

We don’t know how big the impact of the controversy was on WhatsApp usage, but in any case WhatsApp could use a new feature like this to strengthen its privacy stance and make it clear to its users that no one can access their private messages, not even the one in WhatsApp itself.

Functionally, the ability to encrypt your message backups is unlikely to be of much use to normal users. But on the other hand, as from TechCrunchGaining access to WhatsApp chat data via third-party workarounds has previously been the only way for government and law enforcement agencies to break into the WhatsApp network.

“Tapping these unencrypted WhatsApp chat backups on Google and Apple servers is one of the well-known ways law enforcement agencies around the world have been able to access WhatsApp chats from suspicious people for years.”

In other words, the current backup options that rely on third-party providers reduce the overall security of WhatsApp chats, a loophole that Facebook is now closing. This will undoubtedly also exacerbate the panting of various organizations that have spoken out against Facebook for further blocking its messaging systems.

Return In October 2019, Representative of USA, UK and Australia signed an open letter to Facebook urging the company to abandon its plans for full messaging encryption, arguing that it would:

“… endanger our citizens and societies by seriously undermining the ability to identify and respond to illegal content and activities such as the sexual exploitation and abuse of children, terrorism and attempts by foreign opponents to undermine democratic values ​​and institutions Preventing criminal prosecution from perpetrators and protecting victims. “

The governments of each region asked Facebook to provide at least “back door” access for official investigations, which Facebook has repeatedly refused.

Which has led the authorities to look for alternative means, such as tapping third-party backups – and with Facebook now stopping that too, it could lead to a renewed surge in opposition to Facebook’s plans and re-calls for borders of the same.

A major focus of concern on this front is the potential of such options to protect child traffickers National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children argues that any attempt to further restrict access to such platforms by law enforcement agencies increases the potential for groups of perpetrators to use these platforms.

As per NSPCC managing director Peter Wanless:

“Private messaging is at the forefront of child sexual abuse, but the current debate over end-to-end encryption risks leaving children vulnerable where there is the most harm.”

This is currently the most convincing and most important argument against the move. By fully encrypting all of its messaging apps, Facebook will essentially hide all communications from attackers and those who would try to use such systems to exploit children, which could then lead to the expansion of these activities.

At the same time, however, the wider drive for more online privacy continues to gain momentum as people seek ways to protect their private communications from outside surveillance.

It’s a complex balance, and there’s compelling logic on both sides, but one way or another, Facebook seems to be driving it forward, with the company also finding time and time again that it’s moving Integrate all of its messaging tools (Messenger, Instagram Direct and WhatsApp) and add more encryption options across the board.

There’s no definitely right answer here, but it’s interesting to note the ongoing debate that could eventually force Facebook to reverse its course or change its approach if regulators decide to take a more definitive setback out of one of its main regions of use.