WhatsApp Lawsuit Draws Skepticism From Cryptographers, Privacy Lawyers
A new lawsuit alleges that Meta and WhatsApp can access users’ private WhatsApp messages despite longstanding claims of end-to-end encryption. Cryptographers and privacy experts broadly doubt the technical feasibility of these allegations, pointing out that no evidence or specific method of breaking encryption is provided. While it is possible for messages to be exposed through unencrypted cloud backups or device malware, there is no indication that Meta can access message content at scale. Legal experts question the lawsuit’s lack of technical details and the timing, noting it coincides with WhatsApp’s legal battle against NSO Group over spyware attacks that did not compromise encryption. Messaging executives from rivals Telegram and X have amplified criticism but have not offered technical proof. Meta firmly denies the allegations, stating WhatsApp remains fully end-to-end encrypted and labeling the lawsuit as baseless. The class action seeks to represent non-U.S. and non-European users since 2016, alleging privacy violations and breach of contract. The outcome could significantly impact WhatsApp’s reputation, especially in major markets like India and Brazil.
