US House Bans WhatsApp on Official Devices Over Security Concerns
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives has officially banned WhatsApp from all government-issued devices, citing serious cybersecurity concerns, according to a memo issued to staff on Monday.
The directive, released by the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, warns that WhatsApp poses a “high risk” due to several security-related issues. Among the concerns are a lack of transparency in user data protection, insufficient encryption for stored data, and potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors.
Recommended Alternatives
Instead of WhatsApp, House staff were advised to use more secure alternatives such as:
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Microsoft Teams
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Amazon Wickr
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Signal
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Apple iMessage and FaceTime
These platforms have been vetted for stronger encryption protocols and data protection standards.
Meta Responds
A spokesperson for Meta Platforms Inc., which owns WhatsApp, strongly opposed the decision.
Rising Concerns Over Digital Security
This move comes just months after a WhatsApp official revealed that Israeli spyware firm Paragon Solutions allegedly targeted several users — including journalists and members of civil society — raising alarms over third-party surveillance threats.
The U.S. House has taken similar steps in the past. In 2022, it banned the popular video app TikTok on official devices due to its connections with China and related data privacy concerns.
As cybersecurity continues to be a top priority, government agencies are tightening control over which apps can be used for official communications, especially those involving sensitive or classified information.
