Explained: What is end-to-end encryption, the main 'issue' between WhatsApp and government of India, and more

WhatsApp

Over the years, WhatsApp has become to go to messaging platform for most smartphone users. Sure, there’s iMessage on iPhones but such is WhatsApp popularity that the aspirational ‘blue bubble’ hasn’t really hit the mark in India. The Meta-owned messaging platform is currently embroiled in a legal battle with the government of India. The bone of contention? End-to-end encryption that WhatsApp offers to keep chats — and calls for that matter — safe and secure. We answer all your questions about end-to-end encryption in this explainer:

What is end-to-end encryption?

End-to-end encryption (E2EE) scrambles your messages with a key only you and the recipient have, making them unreadable to anyone else. Think of a message being sent in a sealed lockbox with only the recipient having the key to unlock it. It protects the users and keeps all chats safe and secure.

How does end-to-end encryption work?

WhatsApp explains how it works. Before a message is sent to a recipient and leaves your device, it is secured with a cryptographic lock. The only one with the key is the intended recipient of the message. The keys change with every single message that is sent by you on WhatsApp.

Can WhatsApp read end-to-end encrypted messages?

No, WhatsApp cannot see the content of messages or listen to calls that are end-to-end encrypted. The encryption and decryption happens entire on the device WhatsApp is being used on, so Meta can’t really read your messages or listen to calls .

What if law enforcement agencies want to read messages?

WhatsApp says that it has mechanisms in place when it comes to the work of law enforcement. “We carefully review, validate and respond to law enforcement requests based on applicable law and policy, and we prioritise responses to emergency requests,” says WhatsApp.

Does that mean WhatsApp doesn’t collect any of your data?

No, that’s not true. WhatsApp does collect device and connection-specific information when you install, access, or use the app. This includes information such as the phone you are using operating system information (iOS or Android), battery level, signal strength, app version, browser information, mobile network, connection information (including phone number, mobile operator or ISP), language and time zone, and IP address. It also collects location information but users have the option to decline WhatsApp from doing so.

Do other messaging platforms offer end-to-end encryption?

Yes, they do. Signal offers it as does Telegram (only for secret chats). Apple also offers it for iMessage on the iPhone, iPad and Mac.

What does the government of India want WhatsApp to do?

Simply put, the government wants WhatsApp to break end-to-end encryption. The government argues that there might be situations where WhatsApp is used to spread harmful content and law enforcement agencies would want to read messages. The government has also said that if WhatsApp can’t break encryption then it must come with an alternate solution.

Also read: 'WhatsApp goes, if asked to break...' Meta's popular messaging platform tells Delhi High Court

WhatsApp rolls out passkeys for iPhone users: What it is, how it works and more