Facebook subsidiary WhatsApp has two billion users. Security and data are important to the company. But what happens to end-to-end encryption?
- WhatsApp now has two billion users (including iPhone and Android )
- The Facebook daughter wants to be more secure
- Will end-to-end encryption still be lifted?
WhatsApp is becoming increasingly popular. Now the messenger service has announced that it has broken the sound barrier of two billion users . That means that around every fourth uses WhatsApp. No matter whether on iPhone or Android . In view of the record, WhatsApp * also addresses users' security needs.
The current & official WhatsApp user numbers: 2 billion active users (as of 2020) https://t.co/a5r4Ts8Kev pic.twitter.com/kFPveH443S
- alessio (@ alessio40430415) February 13, 2020Facebook subsidiary WhatsApp wants to be more secure - it's about the data of the two billion users
WhatsApp, which has been owned by Facebook since 2014, wants to make conversations even more secure. "We will not compromise on safety, because that would mean endangering people's safety," says the company. It is about the WhatsApp data * of the two billion users.
In the meantime, every message sent to the two billion users is now protected by end-to-end encryption . WhatsApp makes the promise to users because there were twelve WhatsApp security holes * last year. Seven of the gaps were rated critical. That was more than ever and is a danger to the data . The gaps occurred on iPhones and Android.
WhatsApp data: does end-to-end encryption fall?
WhatsApp also said it was working with security experts to prevent future abuse. What data protectors like is not well received by investigators. For a long time, these have been calling for the company belonging to Facebook to install a back door in the fight against crime such as terrorism or child pornography. This is intended to undermine the end-to-end encryption of the two billion users. "Zeit" had already reported on this demand.
Data: WhatsApp boss does not rule out back door with end-to-end encryption
In an interview with the "Wall Street Journal" WhatsApp boss Will Cathcart spoke about the desire of the security authorities. Cathcart thought the risk involved in doing this was too great. "In a modern society, people should be able to chat privately," said Cathcart. This is not the case with a back door for end-to-end encryption.
By Moritz Serif
* hna.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.