September 9, 2021, 10:35 am | Read time: 2 minutes
In 2021, Facebook announced plans to further integrate the messaging app WhatsApp. Many users are concerned about their privacy and the security of their messages. These concerns are not unfounded, as Facebook can view the content of reported WhatsApp messages.
Facebook is relatively transparent in handling suspicious accounts on Instagram and Facebook. The company regularly reports how many accounts are suspended or sanctioned due to suspicious behavior. Unlike WhatsApp, content on Facebook and Instagram is not encrypted. Therefore, Facebook remains discreet about account reviews on WhatsApp. Now, the U.S. outlet ProPublica reports that despite end-to-end encryption, the company can read messages. TECHBOOK has investigated the validity of this claim.
Moderators Review Thousands of Messages Daily
According to ProPublica, “more than 1,000 contract workers are stationed in office buildings in Austin, Texas, Dublin, and Singapore. […] There, they examine millions of user contents.” In interviews, several moderators confirmed that content review on WhatsApp operates similarly to Facebook and Instagram. Each moderator processes about 600 tickets daily—spending just one minute per report.
However, the review of reported chats works differently than on Facebook and Instagram. Since content is encrypted, moderators can only see messages if users utilize the “report contact” feature. This sends the message believed to violate terms of service, along with the four preceding messages. This includes images and videos, which then become directly viewable to WhatsApp.
Facebook and WhatsApp Respond to the Allegations
Facebook has already responded to the ProPublica report. The company states that it is a misunderstanding. Regarding WhatsApp’s terms of service, Facebook told 9To5Mac that reported messages are automatically forwarded to Facebook. This works essentially like forwarding to one’s own contacts. On the user’s device, the message is already decrypted and can thus be sent to others. Once the message is reported to Facebook, it is re-encrypted end-to-end and thus only visible to moderators reviewing the content. Facebook also emphasized that only reported messages are visible. All other content shared by WhatsApp users remains encrypted and inaccessible to Facebook.
Users might be surprised to learn that along with the reported message, the four previous messages are also sent to Facebook. However, this is already stated in WhatsApp’s terms of service: “WhatsApp receives the most recent messages you received from the reported user or group.” Therefore, the company cannot be faulted in this regard.