Here is a summary of the article "House Bans WhatsApp on Staff Devices Amid Threat" from WTMA-AM (published June 23, 2025):
- Context: Amid concerns about potential threats and as global tensions rise following U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, the U.S. House of Representatives has banned WhatsApp from all staff devices to bolster cybersecurity.
- Authority: The ban was announced by the House's Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) in an alert to staffers and reported by Axios.
- Reason for Ban: The Office of Cybersecurity labeled WhatsApp as "high-risk" due to:
- Lack of transparency in its data protection practices
- No stored data encryption
- Other potential security risks
- Action Required: House staff are forbidden from downloading or keeping any version of the WhatsApp app (including mobile, desktop, or web browser versions) on House-managed devices. Staff already having WhatsApp installed will be contacted for its removal.
- Alternatives Recommended: The CAO suggested using Microsoft Teams, Wickr, Signal, iMessage, and FaceTime instead.
- Broader Context: The House has previously restricted other applications seen as risky, including DeepSeek, ByteDance, Microsoft Copilot, and ChatGPT.
- Other Notes: The alert also highlighted the ongoing threat from phishing scams. Axios reportedly sought comment from WhatsApp.
Source: WTMA-AM House Bans WhatsApp on Staff Devices Amid Threat
