TECH: WhatsApp update adds encryption
Over one-billion users will be protected by this decision.
Calls, messages, videos, files and voice notes – all protected from prying eyes.
WhatsApp Incorporated has made the controversial decision to offer full, automatic, end-to-end encryption a given with the latest version of the mobile messenger service.
The company states this makes it the leader in protecting private communication.
In a official statement on its website, WhatsApp founders Jan Koum and Brian Acton explained the decision was made to ensure data and communication were as secure as possible.
“The idea is simple: when you send a message, the only person who can read it is the person or group that you send the message to.”
Expanding on the implications of a digitised world, WhatsApp believes encryption is the most powerful tool against improper access, vulnerability to digital attack and information abuse.
“While we recognise the important work of law enforcement in keeping people safe, efforts to weaken encryption risk exposing people’s information to abuse from cyber-criminals, hackers and rogue states.”
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