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.

WhatsApp has introduced advanced privacy features that allow users to control who can see their last seen status, profile photo, and about information. These updates aim to enhance user privacy and provide more options for managing visibility within the app. Additionally, WhatsApp emphasizes its commitment to user security with end-to-end encryption for messages.

The U.S. House of Representatives has banned the use of WhatsApp on government devices due to security concerns. This decision reflects ongoing worries about data privacy and the potential for foreign interference through widely-used messaging applications. Agencies are now required to use alternative communication methods that meet security standards.