WhatsApp is undeniably the most used instant messaging app globally and for all the right reasons. It is easy to use, intuitive, straightforward, and works on almost all devices, constantly adding new features. However, the other side of this instant messaging often comes under scrutiny as people believe that the app can access our information and data. The latest discovery is shocking as it shows the app accessing the microphone even when the phone is not being used.
WhatsApp's microphone usage, even when the device was not in use could spark some controversy and deeper probing
The information was discovered by Foad Dabiri, a Twitter engineer who shared a screenshot of WhatsApp accessing the microphone while Dabiri was asleep and the phone was not in use.
WhatsApp has been using the microphone in the background, while I was asleep and since I woke up at 6AM (and that's just a part of the timeline!) What's going on? pic.twitter.com/pNIfe4VlHV
— Foad Dabiri (@foaddabiri) May 6, 2023
This is kinda worrying because a lot of people around the world are using WhatsApp, this includes businesses, individuals, government employees, and so many other individuals, and if the flaw is indeed there, then this is concerning. Elon Musk, Twitter CEO, retweeted Dabiri's tweet by saying how WhatsApp cannot be trusted.
WhatsApp cannot be trusted https://t.co/3gdNxZOLLy
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 9, 2023
Shortly after Musk's remarks, the official WhatsApp account issued a statement as well. According to the statement, the issue with how Android is handling these instances in the Privacy Dashboard, and the platform has also gotten in touch with Google so they can fix the issue.
Over the last 24 hours we’ve been in touch with a Twitter engineer who posted an issue with his Pixel phone and WhatsApp.
We believe this is a bug on Android that mis-attributes information in their Privacy Dashboard and have asked Google to investigate and remediate. https://t.co/MnBi3qE6Gp
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) May 9, 2023
While the official statement might reinstate some degree of confidence, it is safe to say that this is concerning news for a lot of WhatsApp users. The safest thing that we can do is wait for Google to respond as to whether this is actually true and if it's just a bug or if there is something sinister at play.
Sadly, we cannot really do much about it at the time of writing. You can, however, go ahead and revoke microphone access on Android if you think WhatsApp is after your sensitive conversations but then you will end up losing access to the ability to send voice notes or call someone.
Sadly, we cannot confirm anything at the moment, but we will keep you posted as this story develops. Until then, stay tuned and let us know if you are okay with this latest discovery or do you have some concerns of your own.
from Wccftech https://ift.tt/K3kvN8q
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