WhatsApp

WhatsApp

Facebook | Free

Review date: 04/23/2020

WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging clients in the world with over 2 billion (yes, billion) users worldwide. The app is encrypted by default with end-to-end encryption for both messages and calls, which is good for your privacy. It’s also owned by Facebook which means Facebook can access the personal data WhatsApp collects on you, which is bad for your privacy. When it comes to video, WhatsApp allows for one-on-one calls and group calling with up to eight people. Just beware, WhatsApp has a pretty well known misinformation problem.

What could happen if something goes wrong

WhatsApp does a decent job with security. When it comes to privacy, anything owned by Facebook leaves us wary. Video chat aside, it's worth considering the tool's role in spreading misinformation and whether the company has done enough to address this concern. WhatsApp has become such a major source of misinformation about the coronavirus that world leaders have been calling out the app by name, begging people to stop sharing unverified information. WhatsApp did take steps to try and stop the flood of misinformation when it began limiting the number of times people could pass on frequently forwarded content to five chats at once. So, it's worth considering whether you want to get into an app environment that has a history of being a hotbed of misinformation like conspiracy theories that coronavirus is caused by 5G cell towers.

Privacy

What is required to sign up?

A phone number is required to sign up for WhatsApp. Either a phone or email can be used to sign up for two-factor authentication within WhatsApp.

What data does it collect?

How does it use this data?

How are your recordings handled?

WhatsApp doesn't allow for video chat recordings.

Alerts when calls are being recorded?

N/A

Video calls can't be recorded within WhatsApp. Third party apps do exist that allow for call recording in WhatsApp however.

Does the platform say it is compliant with US medical privacy laws?

No

WhatsApp is not HIPAA compliant

Links to privacy information

Can I control it?

Host controls

Hosts can hang up, mute their mic, and add contacts to a group call during the call.

Is it easy to learn and use the features?

Unknown

A FAQ section of the WhatsApp site offers simple tutorials on features. How-to videos from the company also detail features in an easy to understand format. https://faq.whatsapp.com/

Security

Does this product meet our Minimum Security Standards?

Yes

Encryption

Yes

WhatsApp encrypts messages by default with end-to-end encryption.

Strong password

Yes

WhatsApp allows users to set up a fingerprint lock or faceID as an extra layer of security, although this is not on by default. Users can and should password protect their phone to keep unwanted people from making WhatsApp calls if they chose not to set up this extra security.

Security updates

Yes

WhatsApp releases updates around once a month, sometimes more often.

Manages vulnerabilities

Yes

Facebook has a bug bounty program

Privacy policy

Yes

https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/#privacy-policy

Updates

Maybe we shouldn’t use Zoom after all
TechCrunch
Now that we’re all stuck at home thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, video calls have gone from a novelty to a necessity. Zoom, the popular videoconferencing service, seems to be doing better than most and has quickly become one of, if not the most, popular option going. But should it be?
Five Things You Should Know About the WhatsApp Hack
Security Boulevard
The recent WhatsApp™ hack is pretty alarming: all the hackers had to do was drop a missed encrypted WhatsApp call to their target and—boom—spyware was installed. The hack didn’t require the user to do anything—even if the user didn’t pick up the phone the spyware would still be installed. But maybe what’s most important about it is that it shines a light on the myth that security is equal to end-to-end encryption.
WhatsApp Video Calls Will Soon Support 50: This Is Why 8’s The Limit For Your Security
Forbes
WhatsApp users were just given an awesome new feature—the ability to make end-to-end encrypted video calls for groups of up to eight. But it seems that eight is the limit if you want to stay secure, because once you add more people to your video chat, you’ll be redirected to the much less secure and private Facebook Messenger Rooms.
WhatsApp tightens message forwarding restrictions to combat coronavirus misinformation
CNBC
Facebook’s WhatsApp has reduced the amount of chats to which users can share frequently forwarded content to just one at a time. The move, which expands on previous curbs, is aimed at stemming the spread of misinformation amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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