[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_padding=”12px|||||”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]WhatsApp just added end to end encryption for all of their services. What does that mean? Well, it means that WhatsApp just gave over 1 billion people secure communication via messaging and phone calls and WhatsApp works on almost all modern cell phone and works internationally at no charge. WhatsApp is extremely popular internationally but here at home Americans have not been quick to adopt WhatsApp. Now that the U.S. Government is trying to collect everyone’s data and of course foreign governments have been doing the same WhatsApp might become the most widely used messaging app in the U.S.
Apple’s iMessage already had end to end encryption which the FBI has been complaining about for the past two years. Unfortunately, recently they found a way around the encryption by accessing the backup of your messages on iCloud which is not instant but does give the government access once one of your iMessage enabled devices backs up. Now with WhatsApp you can communicate with anyone world wide and only you and the other user can see the information. The best part is WhatsApp makes it extremely easy to use. All you have to do is download WhatsApp to your cell phone, agree to their terms, type in your cell phone number and confirm the code they text you and your in. If you change phones you repeat the process and your new phone is activated, wipe your old phone and you are set to go.
Eventually, the government will figure out a way around WhatsApp’s system and then I am sure WhatsApp will update and there will be a never ending game of cat and mouse. I do not want to get to complicated explaining how end to end encryption works. The key to breaking WhatsApp’s encryption will be for the government to figure out a way to convince WhatsApp that they are you. Once they are you, they will have access to your encryption key which is what makes end to end encryption possible. This is why WhatsApp allows encryption keys to be updated to make it harder for the government to essentially clone your phone. This update just took place but I assume, once the government starts trying to get its claws into WhatsApp they will increase their security, rotation of keys and make sure they are only talking to your one phone. For example, eventually I think WhatsApp will probably get rid of their web based messaging to keep everything only on your mobile phone which will limit your account to one device making it almost impossible for the government to have a duplicate device receiving your messages.
I am extremely excited and myself just became a WhatsApp user because of their end to end encryption. The only thing that concerns me is that WhatsApp is now owned by Facebook which has been considered one of the greatest criminals in gathering personal information and sharing it with the U.S. Government. Although, I do not doubt Facebook has played a major role in government data collection, with recent events I am hoping this is a sign of change. Either WhatsApp is operating autonomously from Facebook or Facebook is starting to realize that our government and governments around the world have too much power and free speech and communication can only continue if they like Apple Inc. keep the government out of their servers.
Lastly, keep in mind WhatsApp secures your communication “when possible”. This is most likely a disclaimer that WhatsApp is not responsible if the government figures out a way around their encryption. None-the-less you should not be using services such as WhatsApp to commit crimes or communicate about those crimes. We should all strive to be law abiding citizens, but we all know in this modern world of unnecessary laws this is becoming nearly impossible.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]