U.S. House Bans WhatsApp Over Security Concerns
The U.S. House of Representatives has officially blocked WhatsApp from all government-managed devices, citing serious concerns about how the messaging app handles user data.
In a memo sent to congressional staff on Monday, the House Office of Cybersecurity classified WhatsApp as a “high risk” application. The notice flagged several red flags: unclear data protection policies, lack of encryption for stored messages, and broader vulnerabilities that could compromise user security.
As a result, lawmakers and their teams have been instructed to uninstall WhatsApp immediately. Recommended alternatives include more secure platforms like Microsoft Teams, Signal, Apple’s iMessage and FaceTime, and Amazon’s encrypted app Wickr.
A WhatsApp spokesperson didn’t hold back in response, stating, “We strongly disagree with this decision.” The company defended its end-to-end encryption system, claiming it offers better protection than some of the apps now being recommended.
This isn’t the first time a popular platform has been shown the door in Washington. Back in 2022, TikTok was banned from government devices for similar national security reasons, following concerns over how the app handled user data.
Earlier this year, WhatsApp also revealed that an Israeli surveillance firm had targeted some of its users, including journalists and activists, renewing fears about its vulnerability to spyware.
As digital communication continues to evolve, so do the stakes—especially for those working on Capitol Hill. The message is clear: when it comes to sensitive government business, not all apps make the cut.
