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WhatsApp adds secure video calling

WhatsApp is adding fully encrypted video calling to its messaging app amid concerns about stepped-up government surveillance under a Trump administration.

The WhatsApp application
Facebook's WhatsApp is adding fully encrypted video calling to its messaging app. (AAP)

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Source: AAP


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One of the world's most popular means of communication, Facebook's WhatsApp, is adding fully encrypted video calling to its messaging app.

The move comes as privacy advocates worry about the potential for stepped-up government surveillance under a Trump administration.

WhatsApp, which boasts more than a billion users worldwide, adopted end-to-end encryption early this year, making it technically impossible for the company or government authorities to read messages or listen to calls.

The new video calling service will provide another means for people to communicate without fear of eavesdropping though WhatsApp does retain other data such as an individual's list of contacts.

WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum said in an interview that video calls will be rolled out to 180 countries within hours after the feature is introduced at an event in India.


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