Can WhatsApp messages be snooped or intercepted by other parties? Regarding this, WhatsApp has repeatedly said that due to encryption protection, messages can only be read by the sender and recipient. Reconnaissance can indeed be done, but through a device that is read directly, for example, seizing the cellphone of a criminal.
"WhatsApp end-to-end encryption is implemented when you chat with other users using WhatsApp Messenger. WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption ensures that only you and the people you communicate with can read or listen to what is sent, and no one else any of them, even WhatsApp," WhatsApp said on the FAQ page.
"This is because, with end-to-end encryption, your messages are secured with a key. Only the recipient of the message and you have the special key needed to unlock and read the message," they added.
"All of this happens automatically: you don't have to turn on certain settings to keep your messages safe," WhatsApp says.
This is indeed disturbing a number of countries. The United States and European countries have asked WhatsApp to have backdoor access so that messages can be snooped if needed to track down criminals. But it has not been granted WhatsApp.
The Five Eyes group, which is the joint intelligence of 5 countries, the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, once warned that impenetrable encryption has a high potential for endangering public security.
"There is a growing consensus between governments and international institutions that action must be taken. While encryption is vital and privacy and cybersecurity must be protected, it should not come at the expense of law enforcement," they said.
Five Eyes argues that technology companies should not develop their systems and services, including end-to-end encryption, that harbor criminals or expose vulnerable people to risk.
"We must ensure that we do not stand idly by as advances in technology create spaces where the most egregious criminal activities go undetected and go unpunished," said UK Home Secretary Priti Patel.
