ISLAMABAD – Facebook-owned messaging service WhatsApp said Wednesday itnow has more than two billion users around the world, as it reaffirmed itscommitment to strong encryption to protect privacy.
WhatsApp, acquired by Facebook in 2014, has grown into one of the most-usedservices in the Facebook “family” of apps, offering free messaging alongwith voice and video calls.
“Private conversations that once were only possible face-to-face can nowtake place across great distances through instant chats and video calling,”a WhatsApp blog post said.
“There are so many significant and special moments that take place overWhatsApp and we are humbled and honored to reach this milestone.”
The statement said WhatsApp remained committed to its “strong encryption”that enables users to connect privately even amid calls by law enforcementin the United States and elsewhere to provide more access.
“Strong encryption is a necessity in modern life. We will not compromise onsecurity because that would make people less safe,” WhatsApp said.
“For even more protection, we work with top security experts, employindustry leading technology to stop misuse as well as provide controls andways to report issues — without sacrificing privacy.”
Last week, child protection organizations called on Facebook to halt plansfor strong encryption of all its platforms, saying that would allowpredators to operate freely.
WhatsApp employs “end to end encryption” which can in many cases preventlaw enforcement from accessing user data even with a court order.
Read Top Stories
The social network is working to extend end-to-end encryption across itsmessaging applications, including Facebook Messenger and Instagram.
The child protection groups said they were concerned that strongerencryption of online exchanges would facilitate the sharing of childpornography.
Backers of strong encryption argue that any special access or “backdoors”allowed for law enforcement would weaken security and could be exploited bycriminals, hackers and authoritarian governments.
WhatsApp is one member of the Facebook app “family” that includes its coresocial network, Instagram and Messenger.
Facebook said recently some 2.89 billion people globally are daily users ofat least one of these services.
But the growth has also attracted attention of regulators and activistsconcerned over the dominance of major tech platforms. Presidential hopefulElizabeth Warren has been among those calling for the breakup of the bigtechnology firms. – APP/AFP
