WhatsApp has passed two billion users globally. That’s a hugely impressive number and shows that users have kept faith in the app, despite recent security worries.
The hugely popular app is a free download which allows users to message, form group chats, send photos, videos and more. WhatsApp said in a statement:
“We are excited to share that, as of today, WhatsApp supports more than two billion users around the world. Mothers and fathers can reach their loved ones no matter where they are. Brothers and sisters can share moments that matter. Coworkers can collaborate, and businesses can grow by easily connecting with their customers.
“Private conversations that once were only possible face-to-face can now take place across great distances through instant chats and video calling. There are so many significant and special moments that take place over WhatsApp and we are humbled and honored to reach this milestone.”
Related: WhatsApp just launched its long-awaited dark mode in beta
However, the company also offered some thoughts on recent security issues, despite not directly addressing them. Those issues were surfaced most recently when Facebook employee, Sir Nick Clegg, rushed to defend WhatsApp’s security credentials. Facebook bought WhatsApp in 2014 and have been heading it up since.
WhatsApp’s statement continues with the company’s comments regarding privacy:
“We know that the more we connect, the more we have to protect. As we conduct more of our lives online, protecting our conversations is more important than ever.
“That is why every private message sent using WhatsApp is secured with end-to-end encryption by default. Strong encryption acts like an unbreakable digital lock that keeps the information you send over WhatsApp secure, helping protect you from hackers and criminals. Messages are only kept on your phone, and no one in between can read your messages or listen to your calls, not even us. Your private conversations stay between you.
“Strong encryption is a necessity in modern life. We will not compromise on security because that would make people less safe. For even more protection, we work with top security experts, employ industry leading technology to stop misuse as well as provide controls and ways to report issues — without sacrificing privacy.
“WhatsApp started with the goal of creating a service that is simple, reliable, and private for people to use. Today we remain as committed as when we started, to help connect the world privately and to protect the personal communication of two billion users all over the world.”
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
