US House of Representatives Bans WhatsApp on Staff Devices Over Security Concerns

Politics

US House of Representatives Bans WhatsApp on Staff Devices Over Security Concerns

5 months ago

News sources:

CHANNELNEWSASIA 2

REUTERS

INDIATIMES 3

BLOOMBERG

TRTGLOBAL

US House of Representatives Bans WhatsApp on Staff Devices Over Security Concerns

Credited from: INDIATIMES

WhatsApp has been banned on all US House of Representatives devices due to security concerns.
The app was deemed a high risk due to transparency issues regarding user data protection.
Alternative messaging apps suggested include Signal, iMessage, and Microsoft Teams.

Meta's WhatsApp messaging platform has been banned from all government-issued devices by the US House of Representatives, following a memo sent to staff that labeled the app as a "high risk" due to concerns about data security. The directive emphasizes the app's lack of transparency and absence of stored data encryption, potentially exposing users to security risks, according to Channel News Asia, Reuters, and Bloomberg.

The memo, dispatched by the chief administrative officer, also recommended other messaging apps such as Signal, Apple's iMessage, FaceTime, and Microsoft Teams for official use. Meta has opposed the decision, claiming that their platform offers a higher level of security than the alternatives approved by the House, as pointed out by India Times and TRT Global.

This ban comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of messaging app safety in governmental contexts, following a previous ban on TikTok due to similar security concerns. The House has been proactive in reviewing potential cybersecurity risks associated with communication tools used by congressional staff, as outlined in reports by India Times and India Times.