US House of Reps bans WhatsApp over security concerns
A keyboard is placed in front of a displayed WhatsApp logo in this illustration taken February 21, 2023. Photo:REUTERS
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Meta Platforms' WhatsApp messaging service has been banned from all US House of Representatives devices, according to a memo sent to all House staff on Monday.
The notice said the "Office of Cybersecurity has deemed WhatsApp a high risk to users due to the lack of transparency in how it protects user data, absence of stored data encryption and potential security risks involved with its use".
The memo, from the chief administrative officer, recommended using other messaging apps, including Microsoft Corp's Teams platform, Amazon.com's Wickr, Signal, and Apple's iMessage and FaceTime.
Meta disagreed with the move "in the strongest possible terms," a company spokesperson said, noting that the platform provides a higher level of security than the other approved apps.
In January, a WhatsApp official said Israeli spyware company Paragon Solutions had targeted scores of its users, including journalists and members of civil society.
"Protecting the people's House is our topmost priority, and we are always monitoring and analysing for potential cybersecurity risks that could endanger the data of House members and staff,' Szpindor told Financial Times.
The restriction will go into effect starting June 30, requiring staff to uninstall WhatsApp from all official House devices.
WhatsApp remains approved for use in the US Senate despite the House ban.
"Alto risco". WhatsApp banido na Câmara dos Representantes dos EUAhttps://t.co/419duMbZH4 — MSN Portugal (@MSN_Portugal) June 24, 2025
The same FT report highlighted Meta's broader push to strengthen ties with the US military and government, including allowing agencies to use its AI models for defense purposes and partnering with defense firm Anduril on new military tech.
In January, Reuters reported that an official from WhatsApp claimed Israeli spyware firm Paragon Solutions had targeted scores of WhatsApp users, including journalists and members of civil society.
According to Financial Times, Meta's chief technology officer Andrew Bosworth recently announced his commission as a lieutenant colonel in the US Army Reserve's Executive Innovation Corps—seen by analysts as another step toward deepening cooperation between Meta and the military.
The app ban also echoes the House's 2022 decision to prohibit TikTok from government devices in 2022 over data security concerns.
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