US House Bans WhatsApp on Official Devices Due to Security Issues

The U.S. House of Representatives has prohibited the installation and usage of WhatsApp on government-issued gadgets of congressional staff due to fears of how the application encrypts and secures information.

The prohibition includes mobile phones, laptops, desktop computers, and any web browser installed on the devices.

Also Read: US supermarket Chain Kroger is Set to Close 60 Stores in Next 18 Months

Still, congressional staff remain free to use WhatsApp on their personal phones, which are not permitted in restricted settings like classified briefings or secure buildings, according to current policies.

The U.S. House of Representatives is one of two congressional houses of the United States Congress, and is charged with the lawmaking powers, budgetary approval, and representation of the American citizens by 435 elected members.

The U.S. government has made no official statement, but the initial reporting was subsequently confirmed by CAO Catherine Szpindor in a statement to The Verge.

The most important thing is to safeguard the People’s House and we continually monitor and analyze the possibility of cybersecurity threats that may jeopardize the data of the House Members and staff, Szpindor said to The Verge.