The U.S. House of Representatives has officially prohibited the use of WhatsApp on all government-issued devices, citing significant security and privacy concerns. An internal memo from the House’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) highlighted the app’s lack of transparency in data protection, absence of stored data encryption, and potential security risks as primary reasons for the ban. House staff members are required to remove WhatsApp from their devices by June 30. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/95e21b39-08af-47cc-8a9c-5e4f34508003?utm_source=openai))
In place of WhatsApp, the CAO has recommended alternative messaging platforms deemed more secure, including Microsoft Teams, Signal, Apple’s iMessage and FaceTime, and Amazon’s Wickr. This decision aligns with previous actions taken by the House to restrict applications considered high-risk; for instance, TikTok was banned in 2022 due to similar security concerns. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/whatsapp-banned-us-house-representatives-devices-memo-2025-06-23/?utm_source=openai))
Meta Platforms, the parent company of WhatsApp, has strongly contested the House’s characterization of the app. A Meta spokesperson emphasized that WhatsApp messages are end-to-end encrypted by default, ensuring that neither the company nor third parties can access them. The spokesperson also noted that WhatsApp offers a higher level of security than some of the apps on the CAO’s approved list. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/95e21b39-08af-47cc-8a9c-5e4f34508003?utm_source=openai))
The House’s decision comes amid broader scrutiny of Meta’s data security practices. The company is currently facing a legal challenge from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, which alleges that Meta maintains an illegal monopoly through its acquisitions of WhatsApp and Instagram. Additionally, Meta has faced criticism for its handling of user privacy and data security, including its collaboration with the U.S. military and the introduction of advertising to WhatsApp’s status section. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/95e21b39-08af-47cc-8a9c-5e4f34508003?utm_source=openai))
This move by the House reflects a growing emphasis on cybersecurity within government institutions. In December 2024, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) advised senior officials and politicians to adopt end-to-end encrypted communication methods, such as iMessage and Signal, to mitigate risks associated with cyber intrusions targeting major telecommunications companies. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-cyber-watchdog-tells-senior-officials-immediately-adopt-end-to-end-encryption-2024-12-18/?utm_source=openai))
While WhatsApp has implemented end-to-end encryption since 2016, concerns persist regarding its data handling practices. Reports indicate that WhatsApp shares metadata with law enforcement agencies and employs artificial intelligence systems to scan unencrypted data collected from users. These practices have raised questions about the app’s overall security and privacy measures. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reception_and_criticism_of_WhatsApp_security_and_privacy_features?utm_source=openai))
In contrast, Apple’s iMessage has been recommended as a secure alternative. However, iMessage has also faced criticism for certain security vulnerabilities, such as storing copies of encryption keys in unencrypted iCloud backups. This means that, unless users disable iCloud backups or enable Advanced Data Protection, their messages could potentially be accessed by unauthorized parties. ([inkl.com](https://www.inkl.com/news/apple-imessage-soundly-beaten-by-whatsapp-s-radical-new-iphone-update?utm_source=openai))
The House’s ban on WhatsApp underscores the ongoing challenges in balancing the convenience of widely-used communication platforms with the imperative of maintaining stringent security protocols within government operations. As cyber threats continue to evolve, government agencies are likely to remain vigilant in assessing and mitigating potential risks associated with digital communication tools.
