WhatsApp under fire: New lawsuit claims your ‘private’ messages aren't secret
A lawsuit alleges WhatsApp misrepresented its encryption, allowing Meta and Accenture access to users' 'private' messages.Summary
A new class action lawsuit has been filed against Meta Platforms Inc., WhatsApp, and Accenture, claiming that WhatsApp falsely advertised “end-to-end encryption” while allowing unauthorized access to private messages. Plaintiffs Brian Y. Shirazi and Nida Samson allege that Meta employees and third-party contractors, including those from Accenture, had broad access to message content, contradicting WhatsApp’s marketing claims that “not even WhatsApp” can view personal messages. The lawsuit asserts that users never consented to their data being read, stored, or shared with third parties.
The plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial and substantial financial damages, including statutory, compensatory, and punitive damages, as well as injunctive relief to halt the alleged privacy violations. The suit highlights that whistleblowers have informed federal investigators about the extent of access granted to Meta personnel and contractors.
This legal challenge adds to Meta’s recent legal troubles, following a previous lawsuit alleging the company facilitated a stock manipulation scheme that resulted in significant investor losses.
(Source：The News International)