Facebook-owned mobile messaging service WhatsApp said it has more than two billion users as it reaffirmed its commitment to strong encryption
Facebook-owned messaging service WhatsApp said Wednesday it now has more than two billion users worldwide. While reaffirming its commitment to strong encryption to protect privacy.
WhatsApp, acquired by Facebook in 2014. Has become one of the most widely used services in the Facebook “family” of apps, offering free messaging as well as voice and video calls.
“Private conversations that were previously only possible face-to-face can now take place over great distances through instant chats and video calls.” A WhatsApp blog post said.
“There are so many important and special moments happening on WhatsApp and we are humble and honor to reach this milestone.”
The statement said WhatsApp remained committ to its “strong encryption” that allows users to connect privately even during calls from law enforcement in the Unite States and elsewhere to provide more access.
“Strong encryption is a necessity in modern life. We will not compromise on security because it would make people less safe,” WhatsApp said.
“For even more protection
We work with top security experts, use cutting-edge Sri Lankan WhatsApp Number List technology to prevent misuse, and provide controls and ways to report issues without sacrificing privacy.”
Last week, child protection organizations called on Facebook to suspend plans for strong encryption across all its platforms, saying it would allow predators to operate freely.
WhatsApp uses “end-to-end encryption” that can in many cases prevent law enforcement from accessing user data even with a court order.
The social network is working to expand end-to-end encryption across its messaging apps, including Facebook Messenger and Instagram.
Back Door Dilemma
Child protection groups have expressed concern that stronger encryption of online communications could make it easier to share child pornography.
Facebook, whose CEO Mark Zuckerberg is seen here, has defend the use of strong encryption on its services
Proponents of strong encryption argue that any special access or “back doors” allow for law enforcement would weaken security and could be exploited by criminals, hackers and authoritarian governments.
U.S., British and Australian officials late last year call on Facebook to allow authorities to bypass encryption to better combat extremism, child pornography and other crimes.
Facebook’s WhatsApp and Messenger chiefs Will WhatsApp Number Database Cathcart and Stan Chudnovsky respond in a letter to officials in the three countries that allowing this kind of “backdoor” access would be a gift to criminals, hackers and repressive regimes “while leaving users vulnerable.”
Facebook’s stance on encryption has been supporte by more than 100 activist organizations, security experts and industry groups who have warn against efforts to force tech companies to weaken encryption.
Despite its strong encryption
WhatsApp has seen vulnerabilities exploited in cyberspace.
Human rights activists said spyware hidden in Bulk Database WhatsApp messages, possibly develop by Israel-base NSO Group, had been use to track dissidents and others.
Amazon chief Jeff Bezos’ phone was also reportedly infect with spyware hidden in a WhatsApp message from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.
In October, WhatsApp sued NSO Group. Accusing it of using the messaging service to conduct cyber espionage on journalists .Human rights activists and others.
