WASHINGTON: The U.S. House of Representatives has officially banned the use of WhatsApp on government-issued devices, citing escalating security concerns and the need to protect sensitive information.
Officials say the app’s encryption could be exploited to intercept or tamper with official communications. Under the new directive, members of the House and their staff must switch to vetted, secure messaging platforms provided by government IT departments.
The decision follows a rising global trend of governments reassessing widely used apps for potential data-privacy risks. U.S. IT experts have pointed to vulnerabilities in third-party platforms as potential entry points for foreign interference or cyber espionage.
Critics argue that the ban may hinder communication efficiency, particularly since WhatsApp is commonly used for rapid coordination and emergency alerts. Some legislators have expressed concern about enforcing the policy, given the app’s popularity and convenience.
Looking ahead, the House plans to introduce internal training sessions on approved messaging tools and is reviewing similar restrictions in other branches of the federal government.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.
