WhatsApp has started testing end-to-end encryption for iCloud backup. The update is expected to be rolled out soon where users will have a unique password or encryption key to access their data. This simply means that any text message or file you send through WhatsApp has the highest form of security available in regular digital communications. The scenario, however, changes when these messages are stored in the cloud.
Any chat backup stored in the cloud, either Google Drive or iCloud, can be accessed by third parties through the cloud service providers. Such instances are usually observed when authorities of a region need such chats for an investigation. In order to bring more privacy in this area, WhatsApp is now working on securing cloud backups for WhatsApp chats. The company was recently seen testing it out on an Android beta version. It now seems that it has prepared the functionality for iOS users too.
Data Privacy experts have reported that it’s the best time to launch such update as Apple has recently announced its plans to stop the distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on its network. The proposal includes a hashing mechanism that will scan the photos of Apple users stored on iCloud against preset templates depicting child sexual abuse. WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart raised such concerns against Apple’s tool in a series of tweets earlier, out rightly stating that WhatsApp will not adopt Apple’s new feature once it launches.
