Is WhatsApp Secretly Monitoring and Hearing Your Private Conversations: Know it Here

We all recall the January 2021 controversy in which WhatsApp was accused of sharing user data with Meta. Since then, WhatsApp has explained its position on the security of users' data numerous times. In a thorough statement on its help centre website, WhatsApp explained that it does not share its customers' contacts, location, private messages or calls with Meta. Also claiming to offer end-to-end encryption for its messages is WhatsApp. For those unfamiliar, end-to-end encryption means that only you and the person you use WhatsApp to communicate with can see what is sent. Nobody can access this data, not even WhatsApp.

However, a Twitter developer claimed that the widely used instant messaging service utilised his phone's microphone at night when he was sound asleep. This led to another data privacy problem for WhatsApp. The tweet quickly gained popularity and even received a response from Twitter CEO Elon Musk, who stated that WhatsApp "cannot be trusted." This statement didn't come as much of a surprise, given Musk's apparent disdain for Meta. Nevertheless, the trending tweet raised concerns in several users, who began to speculate about WhatsApp'spying' on them using microphones.

However, do they hear what you say? Let's find out

• WhatsApp requests Google to look into

WhatsApp corrected the situation in a tweet and stated that an Android bug caused the problem. They also claimed to have spoken with the engineer using a Google Pixel phone. Given that a Google Pixel was being used, WhatsApp requested that the tech giant look into the situation.

"Over the last 24 hours, we've been in contact with a Twitter engineer who posted an issue with his Pixel phone and WhatsApp," the business tweeted. This Android problem incorrectly attributes data in their Privacy Dashboard, and we've requested Google to look into and fix it.

Users are in complete control of their microphone settings. Once given permission, WhatsApp only utilises the microphone when a user is on a call, recording a voice note, or creating a video. End-to-end encryption ensures WhatsApp cannot listen in on these conversations.

In a separate official statement, Shivnath Thukral, Director of Public Policy India, Meta, stated, "We feel this is an Android problem; Google has said they are looking into it. We cannot hear the microphone because end-to-end encryption secures your calls and voicemails. On preserving privacy, we agree.

• It was a bug, claims Google

A Google representative verified that an Android issue was causing erroneous data to be generated. According to our current analysis, the spokesman informed Engadget that the reported Android problem impacting WhatsApp users results in inaccurate privacy indications and notifications in the Privacy Dashboard. We are developing a user-friendly remedy right now. 

• The privacy policy of WhatsApp

Their users' privacy is their "priority," according to WhatsApp, which claims that their privacy policy assures their protection. The firm states in its privacy policy statement, which is explained on its official website, "We can't read your private messages or hear your calls with your friends, family, and coworkers on WhatsApp, and neither can Meta. Whatever you disclose is confidential between you. That's because end-to-end encryption safeguards your private messages. We properly mark each discussion to ensure you understand our commitment and will never weaken this security.

• The Indian government intervenes

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a minister of state for electronics and information technology, stated on Wednesday that the Indian government would investigate the claim that WhatsApp secretly used users' microphones. "This is an unacceptable breach and violation of #Privacy," he tweeted. As the new Digital Personal Data Protection Bill (#DPDP) is being prepared, we will immediately examine this and take action if there has been a privacy infringement.

• Elon Musk asserts that WhatsApp is unreliable

It all started with a tweet from a Twitter developer showing an Android dashboard indicating that WhatsApp had been accessing the user's microphone in the background between 4:20 and 6:53 am. Elon Musk forewarned his followers by retweeting the identical message and declaring that "WhatsApp can't be trusted."