WhatsApp’s new security label lets you know if future third-party chats are safe
WhatsApp is currently testing a new in-app label that will let you know whether or not a chat room has end-to-end encryption (E2EE).
WABetaInfo discovered the caption in the latest Android beta. According to the publication, it will appear under the contact and group name, but only if the call is encrypted by the company’s “Signal Protocol” (not to be confused with the Signal messaging app; the two are different.) The line is intended to serve as a “visual confirmation” informing everyone that outside forces cannot read what they are talking about or listen to phone conversations. WABetaInfo adds that the text will disappear after a few seconds, allowing the Last Seen indicator to take its place. At this time it is unknown if the two lines will change back and forth or if Last Seen will permanently take the place of the E2EE label.
This may not seem like a big deal since it’s just four words with a lock icon. However, this small change is important because it signals Meta’s willingness to embrace third-party interoperability.
📝 WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.6.11: what’s new? WhatsApp is introducing a feature to indicate when chats are end-to-end encrypted, and it’s available to some beta testers! Some users can get this feature by installing the previous updates. https://t.co/g2i5S7d9R1 pic.twitter.com/KsTa13z0BOMarch 9, 2024
Third party compatibility
On March 6, the technology giant published a report about its company Technology at Meta-blog detailing how interoperability will work in Europe. The EU has the Digital Markets Act 2022 which, among other things, implemented new rules that force major messaging platforms to let users communicate with third-party services.
Meta’s post gets into the weeds and explains how interoperability will work. The main takeaway is that the company wants partners to use their signaling protocol. The standard serves as the basis for E2EE on WhatsApp and Messenger and that is why they want everyone to be on the same playing field.
Other services don’t need to use Signal. They can use their compatible protocols, although they must demonstrate that they offer “the same security guarantees”.
The wording here is quite short-sighted: if a service doesn’t offer the same level of protection, WhatsApp won’t communicate with it. However, the beta suggests Meta is willing to be flexible. They may not completely lock out non-Signal compatible platforms. At a minimum, the company will inform its users that certain chat rooms may not be as secure as those with E2EE enabled.
Interested Android owners can install the update from the Google Play Beta Program although there is a chance you may not receive the position. WABetaInfo states that it is only available to a handful of testers. No word on whether WhatsApp on iOS will see the same patch.
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