Simply explained: What is WhatsApp's full encryption and how it will help you

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Popular messaging service WhatsApp has implemented "full end-to-end encryption," a move which steps up privacy but may lead to conflicts with law enforcement agencies.

We have tried to simplify the points to understand WhatsApp's new security feature better.

Henceforth, all the message that you sent on WhatsApp can now be accessed only by the sender and recipient.

The new security feature on WhatsApp means that if you and your friends have the latest version of the app, all chats will be end-to-end encrypted.

It should be however noted that you don’t have the option of switching off the end-to-end encryption.

So, if you and your friend have the same versions of WhatsApp, the moment you send message, you will see a message that states –“Messages  you send to this chat and calls are now secured with end-to-end encryption. Tap for more info.”

Once you tap on the info, you will learn that WhatsApp and third parties can't read or listen chats and calls. Not even hackers!

So if you wish to benefit from WhatsApp's full end-to-end encryption you must install the latest version of the app.