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US House Bans WhatsApp on Official Devices

Israa Farhan The US House of Representatives has officially banned the use of WhatsApp on all government-issued devices in a move aimed at strengthening cybersecurity and protecting sensitive data. The decision was communicated through an internal memo from the House Cybersecurity Office and applies to all lawmakers, staff, and House employees. According to the memo, the Meta-owned messaging app poses a significant security threat, as officials describe it, due to a lack of transparency in how user data is managed, insufficient encryption for stored data, and associated technical vulnerabilities. As an alternative, the House recommended using more secure communication platforms, including Microsoft Teams, Amazon-owned Wickr, Apple's iMessage and FaceTime, and the encrypted messaging app Signal. In a statement responding to the ban, a Meta spokesperson expressed disagreement, arguing that WhatsApp offers industry-leading security features that exceed those of several recommended alternatives. The company emphasized that privacy and security remain top priorities. The ban follows recent cybersecurity alerts, including a January report in which WhatsApp confirmed that dozens of journalists and activists had been targeted by advanced spyware. These revelations heightened concerns over the platform's vulnerability to surveillance and data breaches. This is not the first time the US House has acted against popular apps over security concerns. In 2022, the House banned TikTok from official devices amid similar fears about data privacy and foreign surveillance. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean