A popular fan website, WABetaInfo, that tracks WhatsApp Beta updates, on Monday tweeted that WhatsApp users in Israel are now connected through Facebook servers.
This news comes amidst the Facebook privacy and data controversy when people online are wary of what using Facebook means for their privacy and security.
WABetaInfo, however, again tweeted to reassure users that the data is still encrypted and that Facebook will only be receiving the metadata.
The website also said that the new update will improve the quality of the connection.
Twitter user and information security researcher, Karine Nahon, however, pointed out that:
Another user said that encryption itself is not a problem, but the fact that dynamic metadata such as last seen, etc. should be deleted after some time.
Still, the website told its readers not to worry and to wait till May to understand what data is being stored in the servers.
WhatsApp has not yet confirmed or denied this update.
A new privacy law — the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) — passed by the European Union will come into effect from May 25 this year, which will harmonize internet privacy laws all across Europe.
WhatsApp had last month signed a public commitment with Britain's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) to not share user’s data with Facebook until the privacy and data security concerns have been addressed.
Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham in a statement said, "WhatsApp has assured us that no UK user data has ever been shared with Facebook, other than as a 'data processor.’ ”
All users from Israel are now connected to WhatsApp through the Facebook servers. 🇮🇱— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) April 2, 2018
This news comes amidst the Facebook privacy and data controversy when people online are wary of what using Facebook means for their privacy and security.
WABetaInfo, however, again tweeted to reassure users that the data is still encrypted and that Facebook will only be receiving the metadata.
The fact that WhatsApp is starting to use the Facebook servers must NOT worry you.— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) April 2, 2018
This just ensures a better quality of the connection.
All chats and calls are end-to-end encrypted, so WhatsApp/Facebook/anyone cannot read/listen them.
Everything is encrypted, also Stickers.
The website also said that the new update will improve the quality of the connection.
Twitter user and information security researcher, Karine Nahon, however, pointed out that:
And it means that #facebook gets the metadata of the chats/calls in realtime.— Karine Nahon (@karineb) April 3, 2018
Another user said that encryption itself is not a problem, but the fact that dynamic metadata such as last seen, etc. should be deleted after some time.
Encryption is not a problem. Its just that metadata like last seen, online time, etc. which are dynamic and are not needed after a particular time, must be wiped from servers.— ㅤ (@pcx33) April 2, 2018
Like, 'to whom I sent a message' like data can be cleared after a week. But no such policy. Sad!
Still, the website told its readers not to worry and to wait till May to understand what data is being stored in the servers.
WhatsApp has not yet confirmed or denied this update.
A new privacy law — the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) — passed by the European Union will come into effect from May 25 this year, which will harmonize internet privacy laws all across Europe.
WhatsApp had last month signed a public commitment with Britain's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) to not share user’s data with Facebook until the privacy and data security concerns have been addressed.
Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham in a statement said, "WhatsApp has assured us that no UK user data has ever been shared with Facebook, other than as a 'data processor.’ ”