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submitted 1 year ago by citytree@lemmy.ml to c/privacy@lemmy.ml

Does user privacy when using WhatsApp Web (https://web.whatsapp.com) differ substantially from using WhatsApp on Android? WhatsApp on Android has end-to-end encryption and (optional) encrypted backups. If I use WhatsApp Web, will Meta be able to see the contents of my WhatsApp messages?

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[-] Huschke@programming.dev 14 points 1 year ago

As others have said both options are inferior to Signal because you can't verify the privacy claims Meta makes.

However I'd argue that WhatsApp Web is slightly better, because it being a web app means Meta can collect less data about you compared to a phone app.

[-] jdgordon@aussie.zone 5 points 1 year ago

Meta still controls all the code running in the web app. They may be scraping your messages just like they have the option on Android.

It can still be end to end encrypted with them sending themselves a copy from the unencrypted text boxes you see

[-] lemmyng@beehaw.org 4 points 1 year ago

He refers to the fact that the web app does not have default access to your device sensors, microphone, storage, etc.

[-] KLISHDFSDF@lemmy.ml 4 points 1 year ago

for anyone not aware, if you're using the web based version of anything on a corporate/company device, assume all traffic can be intercepted by your admins. it's very easy to do and considered a requirement on some fields.

[-] LollerCorleone@kbin.social 11 points 1 year ago

If I use WhatsApp Web, will Meta be able to see the contents of my WhatsApp messages?

Just as much as they would be able to see the contents of your messages when you use the app. The answer to this question depends on how much you trust Meta to stick to their claims. As others have already said here, use Signal if you are looking for a private messenger.

[-] PotatoesFall@discuss.tchncs.de 4 points 1 year ago

if you trust meta, then no, they can't see your messages either way. But you have to trust them blindly... signal is better

[-] kaato@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago

I would second Signal. In recent months I’ve seen it grow in popularity in Sweden.

this post was submitted on 03 Aug 2023
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