Researchers found a significant security flaw in WhatsApp that allowed hackers to easily access phone numbers and some profile information for all 3.5 billion users. Despite being warned about the issue since 2017, Meta only implemented a fix in October 2023. Users are urged to review their privacy settings to protect their information.

WhatsApp has launched a new feature called Strict Account Settings, which allows users to enhance their privacy with a single toggle. This mode restricts various functionalities, making users less visible and enabling stronger security measures. Additionally, Meta has replaced an old media-handling library with a new one built in Rust for better security.

A class action lawsuit claims WhatsApp misrepresents its end-to-end encryption, alleging that user messages are accessible to Meta. The article discusses the implications of these allegations and the technical aspects of WhatsApp's encryption system.

Meta plans to monetize WhatsApp by introducing advertisements in the app's Updates section, despite assurances that personal messages will remain private. Privacy experts express skepticism, citing Meta's history with data handling and the potential risks associated with ad-targeting based on user data.

WhatsApp is introducing advertisements for the first time since its launch in 2009, with ads gradually rolling out in the Updates tab. These ads will not disrupt personal chats and will include status updates from advertisers, promoted channels for increased visibility, and subscription options for exclusive content. Meta aims to tailor the ad experience based on user information such as location and demographics.

WhatsApp has deactivated 6.8 million accounts that were linked to criminal scam centers worldwide, as reported by its parent company Meta. The crackdown aimed to disrupt these scams, particularly those originating from Cambodia, and was conducted in collaboration with OpenAI.

A former security chief of WhatsApp, Attaullah Baig, has filed a whistleblower lawsuit against Meta, alleging that the company failed to address significant cybersecurity flaws that jeopardized user data privacy. The lawsuit claims that around 1,500 engineers had unrestricted access to personal user information, violating a previous Federal Trade Commission order. Meta has denied the allegations presented in the lawsuit.

Meta has concluded its defense in the FTC's monopoly trial regarding its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, with the FTC pushing for a breakup due to alleged anti-competitive practices. Despite Meta's confidence in a favorable outcome, experts point out the challenges of reversing mergers, and a ruling from Judge Boasberg is expected later this year.

Meta is contesting claims by the FTC that it has monopolized the social media market by acquiring competitors like Instagram and WhatsApp. During the trial, Meta argues that competition remains strong, citing user behavior during outages of rival platforms like TikTok as evidence.

Meta is facing a significant antitrust trial initiated by the FTC, which alleges the company has monopolized the personal social networking market and seeks to force the divestiture of Instagram and WhatsApp. The trial will determine if Meta's acquisitions harmed competition, amid a backdrop of changing political leadership and ongoing debates about market definitions in tech.

Meta has enhanced scam protection features on its messaging platforms, WhatsApp and Messenger, to combat increasing fraudulent activities. These updates aim to bolster user security and provide better tools for identifying and reporting scams. The initiative reflects Meta's commitment to creating a safer online environment for its users.