WhatsApp is prohibited on government devices in the US. This is the reason.
The use of WhatsApp on all government devices, including desktop computers, web browsers, and mobile phones, has been prohibited by the US House of Representatives. The nation's Office of Cybersecurity made this decision because the instant messaging app had security flaws, lacked encryption while in use, and did not offer enough transparency in data protection.
Axios claims that the ruling is a component of a larger initiative to guarantee that official communications from the US government are shielded from eavesdropping, abuse, and eavesdropping. Additionally, even though WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption to safeguard messages, it falls short of Congress's demands for official communications channels in terms of security, transparency, and institutional oversight.
"The Office of Security has determined that WhatsApp poses a significant risk to users due to the lack of transparency in how user data is protected, the lack of encryption of stored data, and the potential security risks associated with its use," the U.S. Office of the Chief Administrator, however, confirmed in an email that Axios was able to obtain.
However, what is Meta's opinion on this matter? They "strongly disagree with the managing director's description of the house in the strongest possible terms," Andy Stone, a spokesman for Meta, told Axios.
As previously stated, the House of Representatives' Office of the Chief Administration Officer, via its Office of Cybersecurity, concluded that WhatsApp does not adhere to the necessary guidelines for safeguarding classified government data. The specific reasons are as follows:
Lack of encryption at rest: If an electronic device is compromised, data stored on it is not adequately protected.
Lack of transparency: There have been some worries expressed regarding the possible disclosure to outside parties of the management and storage of data.
Control and monitoring issues: It's challenging to audit WhatsApp use in official settings, in contrast to other apps like Microsoft Teams or Signal.
Focusing on the vulnerability of employee data, the ban comes as the US Congress moves to restrict the use of AI programs that it deems to be just as risky.