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WhatsApp enables end-to-end encryption – but what does this mean?

WhatsApp enables end-to-end encryption – but what does this mean?
Softonic Editorial Team

Softonic Editorial Team

  • Updated:

If you’ve recently sent a message on WhatsApp, you may have been prompted with this little yellow message within the chat itself:

So, what does this mean?

Well, don’t be scared! Although it may look slightly worrying, it’s actually great news for all WhatsApp users! (maybe a smiley emoji would have expressed the messaged better?)

You may or may not be already aware that when you send messages, audio clips, iamges and videos etc, there is a possibility that the message can be intercepted by an outside party. With an end-to-end encryption, WhatsApp can ensure that this is no longer possible, and your interaction with your friends using the app is now 100% safe and secure.

The Facebook-owned company recently commented on their blog:

The idea is simple: when you send a message, the only person who can read it is the person or group chat that you send that message to. No one can see inside that message. Not cybercriminals. Not hackers. Not oppressive regimes. Not even us. End-to-end encryption helps make communication via WhatsApp private – sort of like a face-to-face conversation.”

Softonic Editorial Team

Softonic Editorial Team

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