How Signal, WhatsApp, Apple, and Google Handle Encrypted Chat Backups
Briefly

Although encrypted chat apps provide strong privacy protections for live conversations, improper management of backups can lead to privacy risks. Backups may not carry the same encryption, exposing conversations to accessibility by cloud service providers or law enforcement. This article explores how chat apps like Signal, WhatsApp, and iMessages handle backups. Notably, Apple has introduced an 'Advanced Data Protection' feature for iCloud backups, but the encryption is not universal, especially affecting users in the U.K., emphasizing the importance of understanding backup practices for maintaining privacy.
Encrypted chat apps like Signal and WhatsApp protect conversations, but backups can compromise privacy if not secured properly.
Users should manage how and where their chat backups are stored to maintain the same privacy standards as their encrypted messages.
Read at Electronic Frontier Foundation
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