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3w ago

House Bans WhatsApp From Congressional Devices Over Security Risks

A cybersecurity review flagged opaque data practices coupled with absence of stored encryption, prompting staffers to adopt approved messaging tools

A keyboard is placed in front of a displayed WhatsApp logo in this illustration taken February 21, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
Image
The US House has banned WhatsApp on government devices for congressional staff due to cybersecurity risks. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)

Overview

  • The House Chief Administrative Officer ordered the removal of WhatsApp from all government-managed devices on June 23 after labelling the app high risk due to unclear data protections and lack of stored encryption.
  • The prohibition covers mobile, desktop and web versions of WhatsApp, and staffers found with the app will be contacted to delete it.
  • Impacted employees are instructed to switch to Microsoft Teams, Wickr, Signal, iMessage or FaceTime for official communications.
  • Meta has rejected the ruling, arguing that WhatsApp’s default end-to-end encryption exceeds the security of many recommended alternatives.
  • The ban follows previous House restrictions on TikTok, DeepSeek and the free version of ChatGPT as part of broader efforts to curb high-risk applications.