Popular messaging app WhatsApp announced on Tuesday that it would start implementing end-to-end encryption for all messages, photos and videos that are sent through the application. This means that, effective immediately, only the sender and the receiver of a message sent through the app would be able to view its contents.
The messaging app's end-to-end encryption works with group chats as well, serving as a significant upgrade to the app's previous security measures. Prior to Tuesday's update, WhatsApp was only encrypting one-to-one text messages. Other forms of media were not included.
For WhatsApp, the implementation of the thorough encryption program serves as a way to keep the privacy and security of its wide user base, which has recently crossed the 1 billion mark. In a blog post, WhatsApp expressed the firm's desire to keep messages between users as private as possible.
"Every day we see stories about sensitive records being improperly accessed or stolen. And if nothing is done, more of people's digital information and communication will be vulnerable to attack in the years to come. Fortunately, end-to-end encryption protects us from these vulnerabilities," the company said.
Of course, by implementing the added security measures, WhatsApp has just taken a definitive stand on the ongoing issue of security and digital data. Recently, Apple got embroiled in a fight against the FBI over the contents of a suspected terrorist's iPhone 5C.
Back in February, a federal court ordered Apple to help the FBI crack the data in the smartphone using a tool that would effectively decrypt the contents of the phone. Citing the risks of such a tool, Apple CEO Tim Cook denied the court's request, which eventually turned out into a full-fledged lawsuit between Apple and the FBI.
Throughout the proceedings, the FBI has made it known that it looks at encryption as a feature that serves as a notable hindrance to criminal investigations, most especially among sensitive cases, such as suspected terrorism.
With WhatsApp fully implementing end-to-end encryption, the messages sent and received by the service's 1 billion users could never be decrypted by the FBI, or even WhatsApp itself. For the messaging firm, the reason behind its decision to implement the security measures 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 the message. Not cybercriminals. Not hackers. Not oppressive regimes. Not even us," the company's blog read.
