All WhatsApp messages are now supported by end-to-end encryption - but what does this mean for you and me?
The new move will ensure that a user’s messages can only be read by the person it's sent to. No one else will be able to see the message, not cyber-criminals, law enforcement agencies and even WhatsApp itself.
"The idea is simple: when you send a message, the only person who can read it is the person or group chat that you send that message to. No one can see inside that message," WhatsApp said in a blog post announcing the update.
Here are nine things you need to know:
1) The App
The end-to-end encryption is available when you and the people you message are using the latest versions of the app. That means you BOTH need to have updated the app.
2) It happens automatically
You won't need to turn on any settings or set up 'secret chats'. So long as you've completed the above, this should all happen automatically.
3) It's not just messages
It won't only secure your messages. Videos, photos even calls and group chats sent over Whatsapp will get the end-to-end encyrption to ensure third parties can't listen in.
4) No Storage
To add to the privacy level, WhatsApp has said it won't store your messages on its servers once they are delivered. Because of end-to-end encryption WhatsApp and third parties can't read them anyway.
5) Every message has a lock
Your messages are secured with their very own unique lock and key. But what does this mean? Basically that only you and the person you're sending the message to have the special key needed to unlock the message and read it.
6) Double-check
You may have already seen this message pop up:
This is because WhatsApp lets you check whether the calls you make and messages you send are indeed end-to-end encrypted. Simply look for the indicator in contact info or group info.
7) Why did they do it
So the question begs, why did Whatsapp go down this route? The Facebook-owned mobile application with one billion users worldwide made the announcement following weeks of intense debate over efforts by US authorities to compel Apple to help break into an encrypted iPhone.
8) The move has been criticised
Not everyone is happy with Whatsapp encryption. It has unleashed criticism in law enforcement circles claiming this creates "warrant-proof" spaces for criminals and others. US Congress is expected to consider legislation which would require technology firms to retain "keys" that could retrieve data in a criminal investigation, with a court order. Similar measures are under consideration in Britain and France.
9) But others welcomed it
A broad coalition of technology companies and activists have argued against any encryption rules that would allow "special access" for law enforcement, claiming these would be vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers or repressive governments. Tanya O'Carroll of Amnesty International welcomed the move, calling it "a major boost for people's ability to express themselves and communicate without fear."
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