WhatsApp just got a whole lot more secure.
All of the messages and calls made through the app are now fully encrypted on all its platforms, WhatsApp's founders revealed Tuesday.
SEE ALSO:Apple-FBI battle is over but Silicon Valley is still preparing for the privacy warAll users need to do to ensure their messages, calls and photos are fully encrypted is make sure they have the latest version of the app. The new security features also apply to WhatsApp's Windows Phone, BlackBerry and feature phone apps.
The app will send users a notification once their conversations in the app become fully encrypted, and the lock icon will also appear in a chat's preferences section.
A lock icon will appear when conversations are encrypted.Credit: Open Whisper SystemsWhatsApp has been working with Open Whisper Systems, a group that specializes in encrypting messaging platforms, for the past year. The organization, which makes the messaging app Signal, says it plans to work with other messaging platforms in the future to implement stronger encryption.
Though end-to-end encryption has been in the works for the past year, it's become an increasingly important issue among tech companies in Silicon Valley in recent weeks.
WhatsApp founder Jan Koum was one of the first high profile CEOs in Silicon Valley to publicly affirm his support for Apple in its fight with the FBI over encryption.
Writing on WhatsApp's blog Tuesday, Koum noted that encryption is "one of the most important tools governments, companies, and individuals have to promote safety and security in the new digital age."
Recently there has been a lot of discussion about encrypted services and the work of law enforcement. While we recognize the important work of law enforcement in keeping people safe, efforts to weaken encryption risk exposing people's information to abuse from cybercriminals, hackers, and rogue states.
Facebook is also reportedly looking into increasing encryption for Messenger. And Facebook isn't the only social media company looking to step up its security features in the wake of Apple's very public battle with the FBI over encryption. Snapchat and Google are also said to be working on increasing the security of messages sent through their platforms.
Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.
TopicsFacebookWhatsApp
(责任编辑：百科)
How Hyperloop One went off the rails7 influential feminists share the most powerful thing about being a womanThe iPhone is finally going (RED)Even in the White House, Trump can't escape Hillary ClintonXiaomi accused of copying again, this time by JawboneThis company is hiring someone just to drink all day
For the non-Don Drapers among us, drinking at work is a far-off fantasy. But UK company ILoveGin wan
...[详细]Writing grocery lists is for suckers now that robotic whiteboards are a thing
Instead of looking at your messages, to-do lists and emails on your phone screen, have a robot draw
...[详细]While you were out striking on International Women's Day, China asked people to go shopping
As women around the world go on strike in celebration of International Women's Day, retailers in Chi
...[详细]Wikileaks says it wants to help tech companies thwart CIA hacking
Wikileaks mastermind Julian Assange says he wants to help tech companies block the CIA's hacking tec
...[详细]Visualizing July's astounding global temperature records
July set a rare temperature record during a year that is featuring off the charts warmth. The month
...[详细]Twitter is finally rolling out a smart fix for its abuse problem
Trolls thrive on Twitter—but a new update may hit 'em where it hurts. 。The social network deplo
...[详细]Empire State Building turns pink to celebrate women across the world
Women and supporters wore red this International Women's Day to show solidarity for strikers partici
...[详细]Even in the White House, Trump can't escape Hillary Clinton
Donald Trump's weird week just got weirder as he strolled out to surprise a White House tour group o
...[详细]SINGAPORE -- Getting stuff done at the bank often involves having to waste part of your day standing
...[详细]A Backstreet Boy named his new baby 'Lyric,' obviously
Sigh. Another celebrity baby has fallen victim to the undying weird name trend. 。 The Backstreet Boys
...[详细]