U.S. House Bans WhatsApp Citing Security and Data Risks

The U.S. House of Representatives has officially banned Meta Platforms’ popular messaging app, WhatsApp, from all government-issued devices used by House staff. According to an internal memo circulated on Monday, the Office of Cybersecurity flagged the service as a high-risk platform, raising alarms about its data protection practices and overall security vulnerabilities.

The notice, issued by the House’s chief administrative officer, claimed that WhatsApp lacks transparency regarding how it safeguards user information, and pointed to the absence of encrypted data storage as a serious liability. The memo also highlighted unspecified potential security risks tied to the app’s use on official devices.

Safer Alternatives Recommended

In light of the ban, House staff have been advised to switch to alternative messaging services deemed more secure by cybersecurity officials. The list of recommended apps includes Microsoft Teams, Amazon’s Wickr, Signal, and Apple’s iMessage and FaceTime platforms. These services, according to the memo, offer more reliable encryption standards and a clearer data protection framework.

Unsurprisingly, Meta pushed back hard against the decision. A company spokesperson said they “disagreed in the strongest possible terms” with the ruling, insisting that WhatsApp delivers a higher level of security than several of the approved alternatives. The company pointed to its end-to-end encryption as a key protective measure that shields both personal and professional conversations from unauthorized access.

WhatsApp’s Ongoing Security Struggles

This isn’t the first time WhatsApp has landed in hot water over security concerns. In January, a company official revealed that Israeli spyware vendor Paragon Solutions had actively targeted dozens of WhatsApp users, including journalists, activists, and members of civil society. The surveillance operation raised fresh concerns about the platform’s ability to defend against sophisticated digital threats.

It’s also worth noting that the House of Representatives has a history of banning apps over security worries. Back in 2022, TikTok was removed from official devices due to fears surrounding data collection practices by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. This latest move against WhatsApp signals an ongoing effort by U.S. lawmakers to tighten digital security policies amid an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment.

Another Strike for Meta in Washington

For Meta, this decision represents yet another setback in its tense relationship with U.S. policymakers. Over the past several years, the tech giant has faced mounting criticism over privacy issues, misinformation management, and platform oversight. Although WhatsApp remains a global leader in messaging services, its presence in sensitive government environments appears increasingly precarious.