The U.S. House of Representatives has barred the use of WhatsApp on all government-issued devices, labeling the popular messaging app a cybersecurity risk.
In a memo circulated to congressional staff, the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer cited “high risk” concerns over WhatsApp’s data handling, lack of transparency, and inadequate protection for stored information. Officials warned the app could expose sensitive government communications to unauthorized access.
Staff and lawmakers were ordered to immediately uninstall WhatsApp and switch to approved alternatives such as Microsoft Teams, Signal, Amazon’s Wickr, iMessage, and FaceTime.
WhatsApp pushed back strongly. “We disagree with this decision in the strongest possible terms,” a spokesperson said, defending the platform’s end-to-end encryption and claiming it provides better security than many of the apps now recommended by Congress.
The ban follows a January revelation that spyware from Israeli firm Paragon Solutions had targeted WhatsApp users, including journalists and activists. It also mirrors a 2022 House ban on TikTok over similar national security concerns.
This latest move signals a continued crackdown on apps viewed as weak links in protecting government data and communications.
