WhatsApp defends encryption as user base tops 2 bn

"We know that the more we connect, the more we have to protect. As we conduct more of our lives online, protecting our conversations is more important than ever. That is why every private message sent using WhatsApp is secured with end-to-end encryption by default," WhatsApp said in a blog post.

"Strong encryption acts like an unbreakable digital lock that keeps the information you send over WhatsApp secure, helping protect you from hackers and criminals. Messages are only kept on your phone, and no one in between can read your messages or listen to your calls, not even us. Your private conversations stay between you," said the blog post.

With the end-to-end encryption feature, only the sender and receiver of a message can see the content. Others, including WhatsApp itself, cannot view the content.

While this feature increases user privacy, it has also attracted criticism from policy makers and law enforcement agencies as it makes it hard for them to trace the origin of a message.

Countries like India has stressed on the traceability of messages as rumours spread on the platform has been linked to dozens of deaths in the past.

"Strong encryption is a necessity in modern life. We will not compromise on security because that would make people less safe," WhatsApp said.

"For even more protection, we work with top security experts, employ industry leading technology to stop misuse, as well as provide controls and ways to report issues without sacrificing privacy," it added.