House staffers can’t have WhatsApp on their devices
Verge5 days
WhatsApp Banned on All US House of Representatives Devices
Above: The WhatsApp icon seen on a smartphone device. Image copyright: Silas Stein/picture alliance/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Protecting the communications and cybersecurity of House members is among the top priorities for the administrative office. As such, reviews of authorized apps are regularly carried out and WhatsApp was banned because it was found to lack transparency in how it protects user data and because it does not store encryption data.
Establishment-critical narrative
This move by the House of Representatives is ill-advised and not grounded in evidence. Because WhatsApp does not store encryption data, it means that not only can WhatsApp not read your messages, but neither can hackers nor other intruders, making it much safer than other services on the approved list.