WASHINGTON – The US House of Representatives has officially banned the use of WhatsApp on all government-issued devices, citing serious cybersecurity and data privacy concerns.
According to a report by Reuters, the Office of Cybersecurity labeled WhatsApp a “high-risk” application. The office stated that the app lacks transparency in how it protects user data, does not meet encryption standards, and poses potential threats to device security.
A memo issued by the House Chief Administrative Officer recommended switching to more secure alternatives. These include Microsoft Teams, Amazon Wickr, Signal, Apple iMessage, and FaceTime, all considered safer for official communication.
However, Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, strongly disagreed with the decision. A spokesperson claimed that WhatsApp provides stronger security than many of the apps approved by the House, highlighting its end-to-end encryption and global reliability.
Notably, earlier this year, a WhatsApp official revealed that Israeli spyware firm Paragon Solutions targeted dozens of users, including journalists and civil society members. The incident raised alarms about potential exploitation through the platform.
The House had previously banned other apps due to security risks. In 2022, TikTok was also prohibited on government devices, reflecting a growing push to tighten digital safety in US institutions.