Texas Sues Meta Over WhatsApp Encryption and Privacy Claims

Mintesinot Nigussie

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against WhatsApp and Meta Platforms. The case alleges that WhatsApp misled users about the strength of its encryption and data privacy protections.

The lawsuit, filed under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, claims WhatsApp markets itself as fully secure while allegedly retaining access to private communications. It seeks to bar Meta from accessing Texas users’ messages without consent and impose monetary penalties.

Meta rejected the allegations, stating that WhatsApp cannot access users’ encrypted communications. The case adds to a series of privacy-related actions by Paxton’s office against major tech companies.

The filing references media reports and a whistleblower submission regarding alleged access to unencrypted messages. This legal action highlights ongoing tensions between technology firms and state regulators over data privacy.

The outcome could have implications for how messaging platforms communicate their security features to users across the United States.