Amidst E2EE issues, WhatsApp is testing a new encryption label for chats

In the Android 2.24.6.11 beta, WhatsApp has been testing a new end-to-end encryption (E2EE) label. The label shows the encrypted status of messages and has a lock icon beneath the names of contacts or groups. Following Meta's admission of E2EE issues, which caused delays in the rollout of third-party chats in Europe, this development occurred. Early testing of the feature is still ongoing.

The update was rolled out on March 9 through the Google Play Beta Program. As per a report, a new label stating end-to-end encrypted was seen below the space where the Contact name or Group name is shown. The text was preceded by a lock icon. The label disappears after a few seconds, showing the last seen status in individual conversations and participants' names in group conversations. This appears to be a new layer of encryption visibility within the app.

Interestingly, WhatsApp already shows an E2EE label on the home screen at the bottom of the screen, below all the chats. It also shows the same in voice and video call screens, statuses, and more. Further, users can always go to the Encryption tab on the contact info page and verify encryption manually. As per the report, with this label, the messaging app might be securing a proactive reminder about the encryption status in a place where it is easily visible to the user.

This would be useful given Meta recently highlighted the risk of encryption with third-party chats in Europe. The company, which uses Signal protocol-based Noise Protocol Framework to encrypt data, said that while it will take responsibility for ensuring encryption at the WhatsApp user's end and during the transit of data, it cannot do the same once the data reaches the third-party platform's end. Notably, the social media giant has asked messaging apps to sign an agreement with Meta and use either the Signal protocol or another compatible protocol.