WhatsApp end-to-end encryption comes with high end privacy for its billion users

Instant messaging app WhatsApp announces to roll out end-to-end encryption, a move taken to potentially protect user’s texts and voice calls  from hackers. WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum announced the update on his Facebook page, stating that the company has been working on the feature for the last two years. (Also Read: WhatsApp update allows Android users to use bold, italic text)

The announcement comes followed by the legal battle between Apple and FBI over the US agency's demand that the iPhone maker help unlock its mobile phones.

What is end-to-end encryption?

It means that a user’s messages, videos, photos sent over WhatsApp, cannot be read by anyone else, not WhatsApp, not even cyber criminals, not law enforcement agencies or no regimes. Even the calls made and group chats will be encrypted. (Also Read: WhatsApp data transfer: Secure your valuable data when switching from old to new phone)

Koum wrote in his post, “We’ve been working for the past two years to give people better security over their conversations on WhatsApp… People deserve security. It makes it possible for us to connect with our loved ones. It gives us the confidence to speak our minds. It allows us to communicate sensitive information with colleagues, friends, and others. We’re glad to do our part in keeping people’s information out of the hands of hackers and cyber-criminals.” (Also Read: WhatsApps' new update brings changes in Settings page)

It is also worth noting here that users don’t have the option of switching off end-to-end encryption. And this feature is enabled by default in WhatsApp.