Tag: WhatsApp

WhatsApp rolls out end-to-end encrypted backups: What this means

WhatsApp has been working on end-to-end encrypted backups for well over a year now.

The feature rolled out to beta testers earlier this year in July, and now it’s finally rolling out on the stable channel.

In a recent post, WhatsApp announced that the end-to-end encrypted backups feature has started rolling out with the latest WhatsApp update on iOS and Android.

With this new feature, you’ll now be able to secure your chat backups with a unique password or 64-digit encryption key.

End-to-end encrypted backups on WhatsApp use an entirely new system for encryption key storage that works across iOS and Android.

The system encrypts chat backups with a unique, random key. You can either store the key manually or with a password.

If you choose to store the backup with a password, you’ll get the option to access the hardware-security-module-based Backup Key Vault to retrieve the encryption key and decrypt the backup.

The vault enforces password verification attempts, and if you enter the wrong password a few times, it renders the key permanently inaccessible. This prevents brute-force attacks.

When you enter the correct password, the Backup Key Vault verifies it. After verification, it sends the encryption key back to the WhatsApp client.

With the key in hand, the WhatsApp client can then decrypt the backups, giving you access to your chats.

In case you use the 64-digit encryption key option, you’ll have to manually save and enter the key to access your chat backup.

In either case, neither WhatsApp nor your backup service provider (Google Drive or iCloud) will be able to read your backups or access the key required to unlock it.

To use end-to-end encrypted backups, open WhatsApp settings and navigate to Chats > Chat Backups > End-to-End Encrypted Backup.

Tap on continue and follow the prompts to create a password or key. Finally, tap done and wait for WhatsApp to prepare your end-to-end encrypted backup.

October 15, 2021
How to use one WhatsApp number on multiple devices
You can now use your WhatsApp number on multiple devices without the need for your primary device to stay online after you have linked the WhatsApp number to the other devices.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports WhatsApp is testing this feature for beta users of the app, and users can now link up to four additional devices and one phone can be used at once.

About WhatsApp multi-device beta
The multi-device beta is an opt-in program that gives you early access to try the new version of WhatsApp for Web, Desktop, and Portal.

If you join the multi-device beta, you’ll be able to use linked companion devices without the need to keep your phone connected.

Your personal messages, media, and calls are end-to-end encrypted.

Note:
- You can use WhatsApp on up to four companion devices at one time, but can only have one phone connected to your WhatsApp account at one time.
- You’ll still need to register your WhatsApp account and link new devices with your phone.
- If you don’t use your phone for over 14 days, your linked devices will become disconnected.
Eligibility

The multi-device beta is currently available to people using the latest version of WhatsApp or the WhatsApp Business app on Android and iPhone.

Unsupported features

These features aren’t currently supported:
- Clearing or deleting chats on companion devices if your primary device is an iPhone.
- Messaging or calling someone who is using a very old version of WhatsApp on their phone.
- Using tablets.
- Viewing live location on companion devices.
- Creating and viewing a broadcast list on companion devices.
How to join or leave the multi-device beta
When you join the multi-device beta, you can use WhatsApp on up to four linked companion devices at once without the need to keep your phone connected.

Join the multi-device beta

For the best experience, update to the latest version of WhatsApp on your device. After joining the multi-device beta, you’ll need to relink your companion devices.

Android

Open WhatsApp > tap More options.

Tap Linked Devices.

Tap Multi-device beta.

Tap JOIN BETA.

iPhone

Go to WhatsApp Settings.

Tap Linked Devices.

Tap Multi-Device Beta.

Tap Join Beta.

Leave the multi-device beta

Android

Open WhatsApp > tap More options.

Tap Linked Devices.

Tap Multi-device beta.

Tap LEAVE BETA.

iPhone

Go to WhatsApp Settings.

Tap Linked Devices.

Tap Multi-Device Beta.

Tap Leave the beta.

About message history on companion devices

On the multi-device beta, right after you link a companion device, your phone sends a copy of your most recent message history end-to-end encrypted to your newly linked device where it’s stored locally.

Once sent from your phone, your encrypted message history is only stored on WhatsApp’s servers until it’s delivered to your companion device unless deleted from WhatsApp’s servers earlier.

Note: WhatsApp Desktop syncs more message history than WhatsApp Web.

How to log in or out

Log in

To log in to WhatsApp on WhatsApp Web, WhatsApp Desktop, or Portal, you need to use your phone to scan the QR code.

Open WhatsApp on your phone.

Android: Tap More options.

iPhone: Go to WhatsApp Settings.

Tap Linked Devices.

Android: Tap LINK A DEVICE. Follow the on-screen instructions if your device has biometric authentication. If you don’t have biometric authentication enabled, you’ll be prompted to enter the pin you use to unlock your phone.

iPhone: Tap Link a Device > OK. On iOS 14 and above, use Touch ID or Face ID to unlock. If you don’t have biometric authentication enabled, you’ll be prompted to enter the pin you use to unlock your phone.

Select the checkbox next to Keep me signed in on the QR screen on your computer or Portal to stay logged in on this device.

Use your phone to scan the QR code on your computer or Portal.

If prompted, tap or select Done.

Note: The authentication is handled by your device’s operating system using the biometrics stored there. WhatsApp can’t access the biometric information stored by your device’s operating system.

Log out

You can log out of WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop from your phone, computer, or Portal device.

Log out from your computer or Portal

Open WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop.

Click Menu ( or ) above your chats list > Log out.

Log out from your phone

Open WhatsApp on your phone.

Android: Tap More options > Linked Devices.

iPhone: Go to WhatsApp Settings > tap Linked Devices.

Tap a device.

Tap LOG OUT.
October 6, 2021
Facebook, Instagram, WhatsAPP return with apology

Facebook and its WhatsApp and Instagram apps went dark at around noon Eastern time, triggering a record 10.6 million problem reports, according to website monitoring group Downdetector.

It said the outage was the largest such failure it had ever seen.

Around 5:45 pm ET, some Facebook users began to regain partial access to the social media app.

WhatsApp continued to have connection problems for at least some people.

The outage was the second blow to the social media giant in as many days after a whistleblower on Sunday accused the company of repeatedly prioritizing profit over clamping down on hate speech and misinformation.

Shares of Facebook, which has nearly 2 billion daily active users, opened lower after the whistleblower report and slipped further to trade down 5.3% in afternoon trading on Monday. They were on track for their worst day in nearly a year, amid a broader selloff in technology stocks.
Security experts said the disruption could be the result of an internal mistake, though sabotage by an insider would be theoretically possible.

“Facebook basically locked its keys in its car,” tweeted Jonathan Zittrain, director of Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society.

The Independent of London explained what could have gone wrong:

“Facebook’s problems appeared to be related to the domain name system, or DNS. That is often referred to as the phone book of the internet, taking the URL a person types into their browser – such as Facebook.com – and turning it into a numerical address that can then be asked for the data that makes up the website being accessed.

“The company runs its own DNS, unlike many other smaller firms. As such, it is at liberty to make changes itself – and to remove those records, too, which was what seemed to have happened at some point on Monday.

“Without the correct DNS configurations, browsers were unable to access the Facebook website, and apps could not properly call the servers needed to fill up Instagram with new posts or WhatsApp with new messages.

“In all, a vast array of Facebook of services went down. They included not just its large apps but virtual reality platform Oculus, and office social network Workplace”.

Today’s outage is also not the worst or the longest in the company’s history.

In 2019, that record was set by a technical issue that lasted for more than 24 hours, and about which Facebook was largely cryptic in its explanations.

October 5, 2021
BREAKING: Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram down

Social media platforms owned by Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, including the parent Facebook app are currently experiencing a down time in Nigeria.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram went off air as noticed from about 5:30 pm West African Time (WAT).

At the time of filing this report, the Facebook and Instagram apps do not refresh new posts and users cannot make posts nor engage on the platforms.

Messages sent via WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger do not deliver.

Meanwhile, Facebook has confirmed the occurrence via Twitter, saying its’ engineers were attending to the issue.

“We’re aware that some people are experiencing issues with WhatsApp at the moment.

“We’re working to get things back to normal and will send an update here as soon as possible,” Facebook stated via its official Twitter handle.

October 4, 2021
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala warns against misuse of her name

Former Minister of Finance and now Director General (DG) of World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has warned against the misuse of her name.

This is contained in a statement released by Paul C Nwabuikwu, Media Adviser to the WTO DG.

Recall that recently Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s name has been used to advertise some public events, which Nwabuikwu has said are without prior knowledge of the WTO DG.

These have been part of a longstanding pattern of misusing Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s name in most times viral messages, which has increased in recent times.

The messages, including comments on political and other issues falsely attributed to Okonjo-Iweala, are usually circulated via WhatsApp, Facebook and other social media platforms.

According to the statement, the WTO DG will not hesitate taking legal actions if the pattern of abuse of her name does not stop.

The statement reads: “It has come to our attention that invented comments on political and other issues falsely attributed to the former Minister of Finance, now DG, World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala are being disseminated on online platforms as well as on WhatsApp, Facebook and other social media.

“These efforts are obviously directed at mischief making as the faceless people behind them are seeking to make Dr Okonjo-Iweala a tool of whatever agenda they are pursuing.

“The fake comments are part of a longstanding pattern of misusing Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s which has increased in recent times.

“For instance, her name has recently been used to advertise all kinds of public events without any prior discussion or permission.

“These actions are clearly wrong and her office has had to respond to enquiries on issues and events that she knows nothing about.

“We urge the persons or groups responsible to desist from their unethical and illegal activities as Dr Okonjo-Iweala may be forced to explore legal options to stop the misuse of her name”.

August 8, 2021
How to prevent strangers from adding you to WhatsApp groups without permission
Most often than not, people are added to WhatsApp groups without their express permission.

For some, the experience may turn out bitter, even stressful and frustrating, because of uncomfortable conversations.

Here are some WhatsApp tips that will ensure these nasty experiences don’t happen.
- On WhatsApp for Android, tap the three-dot menu at the top right side, then tap on Settings
- In the WhatsApp Settings menu, tap on the Account setting, and then tap on Privacy and select the Groups option
- Check your privacy settings for the groups section. By default, the setting should be Everyone, but that means everyone can add you as long as they have your number. It is better to select the My Contacts option or My Contacts Except, which lets you exclude a few contacts from adding you to groups.
- Tap Done when done
That is it!
August 4, 2021
How to prevent unauthorised access to your WhatsApp
Keeping information secure is extremely important, the more reason WhatsApp has its own privacy rules as well as provide tools for greater security.

WhatsApp allows you to lock the application and prevent anyone not authorised from having access to the app.

This will prevent anyone not authorised from reading your private messages or information of value to you, or even someone in your business or where you collaborate.

The application through its settings allows you to implement security based on your fingerprint, preventing someone else from accessing your chats.

We explain step by step and in detail how to block your WhatsApp to keep you even more protected.

Lock your WhatsApp with your fingerprint

Taking advantage of the fingerprint feature of your WhatsApp will prevent unauthorised access to your WhatsApp.

This tool is very easy and it only takes a few minutes to save your messages, and to do that, follow the simple steps below:
- Open WhatsApp
- Go to Settings
- Tap Account
- Once in Account, you will find Privacy
- Enter Privacy and you will find the option that says Fingerprint lock
- Toggle Unlock with fingerprint to the on position
- Then, set the duration for WhatsApp to automatically lock
- If necessary, touch the fingerprint sensor to confirm your identity
- Leave show content in notifications off
This will help you to prevent unauthorised access to your WhatsApp.
August 2, 2021
WhatsApp brings new design change

Popular messaging platform, WhatsApp is looking to bring in a new design change to the app on Android, according to a WABetaInfo report.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the messaging platform has already unveiled the design change to the beta version of the Android app and the change is reflected on the chat list of the app.

WhatsApp is calling it a small User Interface (UI) change, which has to do with removing separator lines on the messaging app.

WhatsApp seems to be removing line separators in between chat cells on its chat list and it is the first page that appears on users’ apps that shows their latest chats with contacts and groups.

WhatsApp is bringing the change for more beta users and it will be available for other users who are using WhatsApp on Android.

The WABetaInfo report further added that the feature has already been enabled in the Android beta and it is expected to roll out to end users soon.

June 13, 2021
FG expresses grave concern over updated WhatsApp privacy policy

The federal government has expressed grave concerns over WhatsApp’s recently updated privacy policy which threatens Nigerian users, who fail to agree to it sharing users data information with Facebook and all Facebook affiliates, risking not being able to use the service at all.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami expressed the concerns yesterday in a release signed by Femi Adeluyi, Technical Assistant for Information Technology to the Minister.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the updated privacy policy of the messaging app owned by Facebook states that WhatsApp will share information about the users of the app with its parent company, Facebook, as well as other Facebook companies.

The information includes user phone numbers, “transaction data, service-related information, information on how you interact with others (including businesses) when using our Services, mobile device information, your IP address”.

Furthermore, WhatsApp has indicated that users who refuse to accept their revised privacy policy risk not being able to use the service at all.

“The Federal Government released the Nigeria Data Protection Regulations (NDPR) in 2019 and is committed to upholding the data privacy of Nigerians.

“We are also aware that the European region is exempt from the provisions of the updated Policy and it is also being challenged in a number of countries.

“The Honourable Minister has therefore directed the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), as the Regulator of the Information Technology sector, to engage vigorously with Facebook to understand the processes, level of security, etc of the data of Nigerian users in order to ensure that Policies proposed for Nigeria strictly adhere to the provisions of NDPR.

“Nigerians can be assured that the Federal Government will give utmost attention to the privacy of their data, in line with the NDPR and the National Digital Economy Policy for a Digital Nigeria,” the statement reads.

May 21, 2021
Privacy: NITDA searches for local alternatives to WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has said it will organize a hackathon for Nigerians to pitch solutions that can provide services that will provide functional alternatives to existing global social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this is contained in a public advisory issued by NITDA and released on Tuesday by it’s Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations, Mrs. Hadiza Umar to address WhatsApp’s recent privacy policy changes and the implications for Nigerian users.

According to the public advisory, to understand the issues bothering on WhatsApp’s recent privacy policy changes, NITDA in collaboration with the African Network of Data Protection Authorities had engaged Facebook Incorporated, the owners of Whatsapp platform, specifically, its global Policy officials on 9th April, 2021.

“Nigeria’s engagement with Facebook continues. We have given them our opinion on areas to improve compliance with the NDPR. We have also raised concerns as to the marked difference between the privacy standard applicable in Europe, under the GDPR and the rest of the world.

“Given the foregoing and other emerging issues around international technology companies, NITDA, with stakeholders, is exploring all options to ensure Nigerians do not become victims of digital colonialism. Our national security, dignity and individual privacy are cherished considerations we must not lose.

“Because of this, we shall work with the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to organize a hackathon for Nigerians to pitch solutions that can provide services that will provide functional alternatives to existing global social platforms,” the public advisory reads.

Read public advisory in full below:

PUBLIC ADVISORY

WHATSAPP PRIVACY POLICY CHANGES: IMPLICATION FOR NIGERIAN USERS

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) under Section 6 (f) of the NITDA Act 2007 wishes to provide this advisory to Nigerians to address Nigerian concerns on changes to Whatsapp Terms of Service and Privacy Policy which took effect on 15th May, 2021. Millions of Nigerians use Whatsapp platform for business, social, educational, and other purposes. The platform is the social media platform of choice for many Nigerians.

To understand the issues and give an opportunity to explain its views, NITDA in collaboration with the African Network of Data Protection Authorities engaged Facebook Incorporated, the owners of Whatsapp platform, specifically, its global Policy officials on 9th April, 2021. After the engagement, NITDA, as Nigeria’s data privacy regulator, wishes to advise Nigerians on how Facebook’s business decision affects their privacy rights.

What Has Changed?

Facebook acquired Whatsapp in February 2014. Facebook currently has over 2.5 billion users globally, while Whatsapp has over 2 billion users. Whatsapp shared a reviewed Privacy Policy on 4th January 2021, informing its users outside the European Union that it would now share their information with Facebook and its sister companies.

Datasets collected by Whatsapp

Whatsapp collects the following information on users:
- account information;
- messages (including undelivered messages, media forwarding);
- connections;
- status information;
- transactions and payments data;
- usage and log information;
- device and connection information;
- location information;
- cookies etc.
Other information collected by Whatsapp include:
- battery level;
- signal strength;
- app version;
- browser information;
- mobile network;
- connection information (including phone number, mobile operator or ISP), language and time zone;
- Internet Protocol address;
- device operations information;
- social media identifiers.
The new policy best renders the platform’s information sharing practices with Facebook and its companies-

“As part of the Facebook Companies, WhatsApp receives information from, and shares information with, the other Facebook Companies. We may use the information we receive from them, and they may use the information we share with them, to help operate, provide, improve, understand, customize, support, and market our Services and their offerings, including the Facebook Company Products…”

Whatsapp shares the above listed information and the following with the Facebook company:
- account registration information;
- details on how users interact with others;
- mobile device information;
- Internet Protocol address;
- Location data etc.
The Facebook Team confirmed that private messages shared on WhatsApp consumer version are encrypted and not seen by the company. But the metadata (data about the usage of the service) which is also personal information is shared with other members of the Facebook Group.

Whatsapp users are at liberty to decide on giving consent to the processing of their data based on the new privacy policy. The Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) recognizes consent (a clear, unambiguous expression of privacy terms communicated by the controller and accepted by the Data Subject) as one of the lawful basis for data processing. Acceptance of the new privacy policy and terms of use implies that user data would now be shared with Facebook and other third parties. Users will now be subject to the terms and policies of Facebook and other receiving entities with or without being direct subscribers to such services.

Advise

As a result of the foregoing, NITDA advises as follows:
- Nigerians may wish to note that there are other available platforms with similar functionalities which they may wish to explore. Choice of platform should consider data sharing practices, privacy, ease of use among others; and
- Limit the sharing of sensitive personal information on private messaging and social media platforms as the initial promise of privacy and security is now being overridden on the bases of business exigency.
Nigeria’s engagement with Facebook continues. We have given them our opinion on areas to improve compliance with the NDPR. We have also raised concerns as to the marked difference between the privacy standard applicable in Europe, under the GDPR and the rest of the world.

Given the foregoing and other emerging issues around international technology companies, NITDA, with stakeholders, is exploring all options to ensure Nigerians do not become victims of digital colonialism. Our national security, dignity and individual privacy are cherished considerations we must not lose. Because of this, we shall work with the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to organize a hackathon for Nigerians to pitch solutions that can provide services that will provide functional alternatives to existing global social platforms.
May 18, 2021