WhatsApp private groups leaked on Google Search due to misconfigurations

WhatsApp is one of most successful instant messaging apps out re that enjoys a massive user base from around world. Facebook-owned company offers a wide array of features and services apart from regular features available on similar platforms. However, app is also prone to bugs and misconfigurations which may affect its status among users.

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WhatsApp chat groups leaked on Google

WhatsApp was recently plagued with a bug wherein a number of private groups and user profiles on platform became accessible to outside users via Google Search. bug had enabled anyone on internet to perform a Google search and join se groups even though y were private. WhatsApp has w patched  recent issue, according to Rajshekhar Rajaharia, a cybersecurity researcher. 

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This wasn’t first time that WhatsApp has encountered such a bug on its platform. It was faced with a similar issue in 2019 which was actually a result of a misconfiguration. re have also been reports of user-profiles and user’s contact details appearing in Google search; however, issue was later resolved by company by adding a 'index' meta tag to se invites to prevent m from getting listed in Google search results.

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While messaging service has resolved above-mentioned issue, it is currently in deep waters for updated WhatsApp privacy policy and terms of service. As part of new WhatsApp privacy policy, company will make changes to way it handles user data. Due to this, a number of people have grown suspicious of service, with many users w looking for WhatsApp alternatives.

WhatsApp has confirmed that said privacy policies and terms of service will get into effect starting February 8, 2021. However, as users continue to express ir outr, company has issued a clarification assuring users that new policies will only affect messs that a user sends to business profiles on platform. It has also clarified that it will continue to offer end-to-end encryption to users for personal WhatsApp chats and voice calls with friends and family members.

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Im credits: WhatsApp