WhatsApp is planning its own cloud storage for backups with mandatory end-to-end encryption. However, the relocation of chat histories to the servers of the parent company Meta raises concerns about data protection among many users.
Text& Instant Messaging
New cloud solution for chats
The messaging service WhatsApp is currently developing its own cloud storage for backing up chat histories. The project is currently being tested for the iOS operating system and is intended to offer users a direct alternative to Apple’s iCloud in the future. An identical feature has been known for devices and the local standard Google Drive since spring. However, a specific release date has not yet been set. Initially, Meta plans to provide each user with two gigabytes of free storage space on its own servers. Since messenger backups grow quickly due to shared photos and videos, this relieves the system providers’ often limited storage space. If two gigabytes are not enough, paid extensions are being discussed.A tariff with 50 gigabytes could cost around one dollar or euro per month. A variant with one terabyte is also planned. In the future, users will be able to freely choose between storage locations in the app settings. iCloud remains the default option on Apple devices. Reports after analyzing a current pre-release version, users have to manually delete the old backup when switching. According to current knowledge, data on Apple’s servers will not be automatically deleted.
Forced to encrypt
According to WABetaInfo, the new storage differs significantly from the previous options when it comes to security. While end-to-end encryption must be activated manually on iCloud, it is mandatory on WhatsApp’s servers. However, there is no provision for deactivation. The in-house infrastructure could make it much easier to restore chat histories across different operating systems in the future. A direct transfer from iOS to Android and vice versa would be possible without external tools. Moving data has advantages and disadvantages. Users save valuable space in their primary system cloud for other documents.However, saving the chat history directly on the servers of the parent company Meta is sometimes viewed critically online because some users express concerns about data protection. The company, however, emphasizes that encryption does not allow access to the content.