WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging services in the world, and today it announced a major new feature that all users will benefit from.
WhatsApp says that it’s implemented full end-to-end encryption, meaning that every call, message, photo, video, file, and voice message that you send is encrypted by default. “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,” says WhatsApp, explaining that no one can see the message, and that includes “oppressive regimes” and WhatsApp itself.
The only thing that you need to do to get end-to-end encryption on WhatsApp is to use the latest version of the app. In it, end-to-end encryption is on by default, and it’s on all the time.
The news that WhatsApp now includes end-to-end encryption is a big deal, especially following the recent brouhaha between the FBI and Apple. Now all of your WhatsApp interactions are totally encrypted, and the only person that can read your messages is the one that they’re intended for. This is a great move by WhatsApp that’s sure to please existing users and could also help to sway anyone that decides that they need a new messaging app in their lives.
Do you use WhatsApp? If not, does this end-to-end encryption news have you thinking about using it?
