Online messaging service WhatsApp, which has become very important application of daily life has now implemented an end-to-end encryption. Founders of WhatsApp, Brian Acton and Jan Koum, on Wednesday announced that the company has implemented end-to-end encryption to every form of communication on WhatsApp.
WHAT IS END-TO-END Encryption For WhatsApp?
It means that if an individual uses the latest version of the app, the service will encrypt all messages, phone calls, photos and videos moving from them. It is supported across phones be it Android, Windows or iPhones. when you send a message, the only person who can read it is the person or group chat that you send that message to. No one can see inside that message. Not cyber-criminals. Not hackers. With this new system, even WhatsApp company cannot read the data that is sent across its network.
“Building secure products actually makes for a safer world, (though) many people in law enforcement may not agree with that,” said Brian Acton.
LARGER ELEPHANT?
The question is : What if court or judicial system in a country authorizes a search warrant to be executed?
Sure, WhatsApp won’t be able to open their backdoor from them.
Indian Encryption Law:
As of today, India does not have any clear and well established laws and policies regarding encryption or encryption techniques to secure electronic communication.
As per Rule 5.2(6) of the Information Technology (Certifying Authorities) Rules, 2000 (“Rules”), electronic communication systems used for transmission of sensitive information can be equipped or installed with suitable encryptor or encryption software. Similarly, Rule 5.3(1) of these Rules provides that any highly sensitive information or data should be in an encrypted format to avoid compromise by unauthorized persons. The Government has the power to determine the manner of encrypting sensitive electronic records requiring confidentiality.
But, with new encryption systems, government will not be able to access any data, in any form from any WhatsApp user.
In past WhatsApp has allegedly been used in several cases of criminals acts. But, Brian believes that online privacy must be protected against surveillance of all kinds.
In the past Blackberry withdrew their BBM services from Pakistan because the government would not allow them to encrypt data.
Now with encrypted service from WhatsApp, it is worth a wait to watch how Indian government reacts!
