WhatsApp promises end-to-end encryption for its app, which means that any text message or file you send via WhatsApp has the highest level of security found in normal digital communications.
The situation, however, changes when these messages are stored in the cloud.
Any chat backup stored in the cloud, be it Google Drive or iCloud, can be accessed by third parties by cloud service providers.
Such situations are often encountered when regional authorities require such discussions to conduct an investigation.
To bring more privacy to this area, WhatsApp is now working to protect the cloud backups of WhatsApp conversations.
The company recently appeared to be testing it with a beta version of Android. Now it seems to have set the tone for iOS users as well.
A new screenshot shared by WABetaInfo on Twitter recently pointed to a development.
The screenshot shows an option to enable the last encrypted backup that will back up WhatsApp and media users’ conversations on iCloud and protect it from “unauthorized access.”
The book says encryption will be available to Apple users in future updates.
WhatsApp for iPhone detected with the latest iCloud backup encryption
WhatsApp has been working tirelessly on this, and recent updates prove the same.
After Android, iCloud encryption shows that the company is testing the feature of all its users and is likely to quickly launch worldwide.
That’s because Apple recently announced its plans to prevent the distribution of child sexual abuse (CSAM) services on its network.
The proposal includes a hashing method that will scan images of Apple users stored on iCloud with pre-set templates depicting child sexual abuse.
While Apple’s intentions are honorable, a number of experts have expressed concern about Apple’s performance.
At the very least, such hashing methods are not inherently correct and can mark a file that is not fully functional like CSAM.
Files will then appear on Apple’s servers for manual verification, where one may be able to view them before proceeding.
There are also other data privacy threats that also exist, such as Apple’s motives for using this feature, or the government intervention of any country in which Apple operates.
Back-up access to data is expected to disrupt user privacy and there are many instances where it can be misused.
WhatsApp manager Will Cathcart has raised similar concerns about Apple’s tool in a series of tweets earlier, stating that WhatsApp will not accept Apple’s new feature once it is launched.
WhatsApp cloud encryption will come as proof of that commitment.
Those wishing to enter will be able to keep their chat history and media stored securely in the cloud.
As it will be available to both Android and iOS users, the feature will work with Google Drive and iCloud.
Password will be used to access or retrieve this chat backup. This password will be private and will not be shared with WhatsApp, Facebook, Google or Apple.
Users can also create and use a 64-digit encryption key for the same purpose.
Keep in mind however, losing both, password and encryption key, will lock your account permanently without any recovery method.
