Whatsapp is now end to end encrypted!

Whatsapp is one of the most widespread mobile communication apps in the world. In some countries it is used by virtually anybody who has ever sent an sms.

It turns out now not even them can read our messages. Is it possible for the user to trust them? They offer a verification system, but I don't speak computer so I don't understand it.

More info: http://www.wired.com/2016/04/forget-apple-vs-fbi-whatsapp-just-switched-encryption-billion-people/


Comments


[60 Points] applyasfrequentlyasn:

I doubt Facebook owned Whatsapp would make messages not readable even to them. They paid $19 billion for a free messaging app for a reason.


[29 Points] DNM-Accountant:

I would also still keep a somewhat sceptical view on using Whatsapp for any activities that you want to be kept secret.

Even though they seem end-to-end encrypted there might be a way for Facebook to still read/archive these as they are known to work with Law Enforcement.

I would personally stick to Signal or Wickr or your favorite VETTED app.


[30 Points] ShulginsCat:

I really like that this community cares so deeply about privacy (and rightfully so). Regardless of drugs and DNMs I think the people who fight for encryption will turn out on the right side of history.


[9 Points] Espionage724:

It's owned by Facebook and unless I'm wrong, it isn't open-source either. Sure, messages may be unreadable by commoners, but why would FB give up the ability to read messages?

I wouldn't trust it. The idea is nice though and hopefully it will encourage more people to look into other methods of encryption, but trusting it for significant matters of utmost importance is not something I would do.


[7 Points] drkpie:

Someone mentioned Telegram once and now I don't hear about it anymore. Is it shit?


[4 Points] DankFecalMatter:

Try out signal, end to end encryption and not owned by FB

I'm not a expert or anything but I've been using it

seems secure. You can even call with it and that's

encrypted also.


[5 Points] staiano:

With FB as man-in-the-middle!


[3 Points] PurpleBeamz:

I am always looking for better forms of communication to stay private. I'll have to give signal & wicker a try since I've never heard of them in the past, if you anyone has anymore suggestions please share.


[3 Points] bimburtimbur:

is it all open source? are there binary drivers?

end to end encryption with backdoors you can't prove aren't there because you can't look at the code

Sounds swell for the gullible


[2 Points] dropmealready:

WhatsApp still requires an active phone number to create an account.


[2 Points] 1unacy:

I wouldn't trust anything closed source that uses a centralized server scheme.


[2 Points] sapiophile:

Closed source

Owned by a corporation subject to lawful court orders and NSLs

Yeah, sure.

Stick to open source apps like Signal, y'all. Nothing else is worth a shit.


[1 Points] None:

got a couple of questions:

  1. do you think it's "safe(r) now, to send others pictures/messages regarding drugs?

  2. Does whatsapp only encrypt messages from me to my contacts or does it also work in groups?


[1 Points] colesaw:

It is bullshit, no one who knows the basics of encryption will fall for these gimmicks.

These tactics are to fool the average guy, only to find out that WhatsApp/FB will still fuck customers over when there is a subpoena.


[1 Points] None:

Tor is adding an end-to-end encrypted messenger to tor browser in the near future, best to just hang tight for that.


[1 Points] RndRecreationalUser7:

If it's not open source you cannot trust it.


[1 Points] TipTopHank:

the encryption battle is a lost one if you are on the wrong side as the genie is out and who is going to stop it anyway (until the time dawns quantum computers come along)


[1 Points] Upload_Joe:

I don't get it. Everything you type in an android phone can be read by google, miles before any encryption. Google (via play store i suppose) has full access to all functions and fully cooperates with the feds. How can any android app be safe? Root it and disable the play store? Custom ROM?


[0 Points] Thx002:

Whatsapp? I wouldn't trust Facebook even with using PGP why would I trust Whatsapp with a probably shitty encryption?


[-2 Points] None:

Lmao implying wickr/signal isn't 100x better. Like really whatsapp is owned by Facebook