“Come home later today.” Five words, written in four seconds, sent in one go – around the world, to anyone, at any time. Sending text or voice messages is as much a part of everyday life as brushing your teeth. The employees of the German Bundeswehr were not aware that it was not always only the intended recipient who was reading or listening. Krone+ has looked at which courier services even Vladimir Putin would cut his teeth.
About three-quarters of Austrians use WhatsApp at least once a week. This makes the messaging service, which belongs to the Meta Group, the most popular social media channel in the country. And with its 2.8 billion users, it is also the world leader.
Security plays a major role for many users when choosing a messenger. When the New York Times exposed security gaps in June 2023, many users’ jaws were left open. It was already known at the time that WhatsApp handled personal data very loosely within the Meta Group. But the fact that Russian ruler Vladimir Putin also has the ability to screen WhatsApp users meant that some of the photos sent appeared in a different context.
Where the security gaps lie
The newspaper also reports that the Russians’ tools can track certain types of activity on encrypted apps such as WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram, monitor phone locations, identify anonymous social media users and break into the accounts of others. Whether Putin also reads you depends, among other things, on the courier service. Krone+ has looked at where the safety gaps lie.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
