WhatsApp's privacy issue has once again sparked attention when Meta is facing a legal suit in the United States over allegations of having hidden access to user conversations.
A group of WhatsApp users from several countries including Australia, India and South Africa claim that the end-to-end encryption feature that has been promised is just an 'illusion'.
According to them, Meta is alleged to still have the ability to access private messages, thus affecting the privacy of more than 3 billion users worldwide.
Responding to the accusations, Meta's Communications Director, Andy Stone, stressed that the claim is false and absurd.
He stated that WhatsApp messages are fully protected and can only be read by the sender and recipient.
Meta also maintains its stance that WhatsApp's encryption system is designed to ensure that no third party, including Meta itself, can see the content of user conversations.
Interestingly, Telegram CEO, Pavel Durov, came out in support of the suit and openly questioned the level of security of WhatsApp.
He claimed that WhatsApp's encryption system has several vulnerabilities that could potentially be exploited.
This statement has further fueled public skepticism about centralized messaging platforms run by big tech companies.
Amid growing privacy concerns, many users are looking for alternatives that are safer and free from corporate control.
Decentralized messaging apps are gaining traction, including Bitchat, an app launched by Jack Dorsey.
Bitchat uses a Bluetooth mesh network and can work without the internet, making it popular in conflict zones and during natural disasters.
The app has seen an increase in downloads in countries like Iran, Indonesia, and Uganda.
In addition, apps like Session and X-Messenger have also become popular because they emphasize security, full encryption, and user control of data.
While Meta denies any wrongdoing, the lawsuit opens up a big discussion about trust, privacy, and the future of digital messaging apps.
In today’s digital world, privacy is no longer an option, but a necessity.
