Messenger app WhatsApp has a loophole that may let hackers read users' messages to their loved ones and colleagues, tech experts have warned.
WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messenger services in the world, leaving millions susceptible to being hacked.
Messages that are sent and received on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted, meaning that nobody outside of the chat - not even WhatsApp itself - can gain access.
However, as reported by Birmingham Live, the messages are also stored on the cloud if they are backed up, and it is here that hackers may be able to gain access.
Twitter user @WABetaInfo wrote: "WhatsApp is also working to bring end-to-end encrypted LOCAL backups on WhatsApp beta for Android!
"They were working on E2EE backups on Google Drive, but they will extend the feature for local backups as well.
"This feature will be available in a future update."
"Can you explain more about local backup? Asking for a friend," said one.
Another wrote: "What does e2e encryption even mean when we are talking about data encryption at rest?
"This makes no sense to me whatsoever."
Another asked: "Will this enable restoring android backup to iOS?"
@WABetaInfo replied: "No, because they are two different features."
As well as potentially being available to hackers, authorities with a search warrant can also gain access to messages sent and received on WhatsApp.
