WhatsApp banned on US House of Representatives devices - memo
WhatsApp has been banned on all U.S. House of Representatives devices due to security concerns, as stated in a memo from the Chief Administrative Officer. The Office of Cybersecurity identified WhatsApp as high-risk due to its lack of transparency in user data protection and absence of stored data encryption. The memo recommended alternative messaging apps such as Microsoft Teams, Wickr, Signal, iMessage, and FaceTime.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Meta Platforms WhatsApp messaging service has been banned on all U.S. House of Representatives devices, according to a memo sent to House staff on Monday.
The notice to all House staff said the "Office of Cybersecurity has deemed WhatsApp a high-risk to users due to the lack of transparency in how it protects user data, absence of stored data encryption, and potential security risks involved with its use."
The memo, from the Chief Administrative Officer, recommended other messaging apps, including Microsoft Corp's Teams platform, Amazon.com's Wickr, Signal, Apple's iMessage, and Facetime.
Meta did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
(Reporting by Courtney Rozen)
