WhatsApp Tests New Feature to Block Chat Exports and Media Saving
WhatsApp is developing an advanced privacy setting that prevents other users from exporting chat histories and automatically saving media files. The feature, currently in beta testing, aims to give users more control over their conversations while still allowing individual message forwarding and screenshots.
France Rejects Encryption Backdoors, Marking Victory for Digital Privacy
The French National Assembly struck down a controversial proposal requiring messaging platforms to create backdoor access to encrypted communications. The rejection sets an important precedent as other nations consider similar anti-encryption measures targeting platforms like Signal and WhatsApp.
Israeli Spyware 'Graphite' Linked to Six Government Surveillance Operations
Investigation reveals Australia, Canada, and four other nations suspected of using Paragon's Graphite spyware to compromise messaging apps and extract data. The surveillance tool targeted 90 journalists and activists across 25 countries through sophisticated WhatsApp exploits.
Meta Shifts Course: Major Overhaul of Content Moderation Policies Announced
Meta unveils sweeping changes to content moderation across its platforms, abandoning third-party fact-checking in favor of a community-driven approach. The policy shift, led by new chief global affairs officer Joel Kaplan, signals a stronger emphasis on free expression and reduced restrictions on mainstream discourse.
Federal Judge Rules NSO Group Liable in Landmark WhatsApp Hacking Case
A US federal judge has found Israeli tech company NSO Group legally responsible for hacking 1,400 WhatsApp users through its Pegasus spyware in 2019. The groundbreaking ruling marks the first time NSO Group has been held liable for surveillance abuses, with damages to be determined in a 2025 trial.
FBI Urges Americans to Encrypt Messages Amid Chinese Cyber Espionage Campaign
FBI issues critical warning about text message security following discovery of Chinese state-sponsored hacking operation targeting U.S. telecom companies. The agency recommends encrypted messaging apps like Signal and WhatsApp after hackers accessed call data and communications.
Gaming the System: Job Task Scams Drain $220M from Americans in Massive Fraud Wave
The FTC reports a surge in sophisticated job scams using game-like tasks, costing Americans $220M in early 2024 alone. Starting with small payments before pressuring victims to invest, these scams have exploded from zero cases in 2020 to 20,000 complaints this year.
Pakistan's Internet Crisis: Surveillance System Drags Speeds to Global Bottom Ranks
Pakistan's internet speeds have plummeted to among the world's slowest, with the country ranking near bottom globally for both mobile and broadband connectivity. The dramatic slowdown is linked to enhanced surveillance measures, including a Chinese-built national firewall system that monitors and controls internet traffic.
EU Prosecutors Call for Crackdown on Encrypted Messaging Apps
European Union prosecutors are pushing for strict measures against privacy-focused messaging services that limit data retention, targeting apps like WhatsApp and Signal. The proposed sanctions include potential app store removals and prison sentences, sparking debate between law enforcement needs and privacy rights.
Pakistan's VPN Crackdown: Digital Rights Under Threat as Government Targets Privacy Tools
Pakistani authorities are set to block access to VPNs within days, escalating digital restrictions that have already limited social media and messaging services. The move particularly affects supporters of imprisoned former PM Imran Khan, as the government tightens control over online communications.