WhatsApp Rumored to Introduce New Label for End-to-End Encrypted Conversations

WhatsApp’s End-to-End Encryption Label Placement Revealed

WhatsApp’s endeavor to enhance its end-to-end encryption (E2EE) visibility involves the introduction of a new label for individual and group conversations. This forthcoming feature aims to reassure users about the security of their messages by displaying a confirmation within chats, assuring that all messages exchanged are encrypted and not stored by WhatsApp.

The timing of this development is noteworthy, coinciding closely with Meta’s recent acknowledgment of challenges related to E2EE and the consequent delays in implementing third-party chats in Europe due to regulatory compliance issues arising from the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

According to reports from WABetaInfo, the new E2EE label surfaced in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.6.11, available to select beta testers.

This update, distributed through the Google Play Beta Program on March 9, signifies an early-stage deployment, evident from its limited availability to a subset of beta testers. Such selective rollout suggests ongoing refinement and iteration by developers as they fine-tune the feature based on initial feedback and testing.

WhatsApp has been spotted working on a new end-to-end encryption (E2EE) label for individual and group conversations that is reportedly in development. The popular messaging application will show a message within chats that will confirm that the messages sent and received are encrypted and WhatsApp does not store any of the information.

The new encryption visibility feature comes just days after Meta published a post highlighting the issues it is facing with E2EE and the resultant delays in implementing third-party chats in Europe following the enactment of the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Spotted by feature tracker WABetaInfo, the new development was seen in WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.6.11 for some beta testers. The update was rolled out on March 9 through the Google Play Beta Program. The report claimed that the feature has only reached some beta testers, which points to a limited release. This is likely because it is still in the early stage and the developers intend to make more changes to it.