WhatsApp Data Leak Exposes Billions of User Profiles
A important data leak on WhatsApp has exposed teh profiles of an estimated 3.5 billion users worldwide, making phone numbers, public keys, and other profile details accessible without authentication. Researchers discovered the vulnerability through publicly accessible interfaces, raising concerns about the platform’s security architecture.
The exposed data impacts users even if they have not violated data protection regulations. Researchers have previously warned Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, about vulnerabilities including potential encryption downgrades and metadata analysis. Meta has yet to issue an official statement regarding the extent of the leak.
The compromised information poses a risk of targeted attacks, identity theft, and unwanted contact, with the potential for circulation within criminal networks. Experts are urging users to remain vigilant against suspicious messages or calls.
Researchers are calling for increased regulation and clarity in data processing practices by large platforms, citing the incident as evidence of the risks associated with insufficient data protection mechanisms. The revelation underscores that end-to-end encryption alone does not guarantee complete data security.
