The message is going viral in social media websites and the WhatsApp group in Pakistan that widespread WhatsApp calls and groups are being monitored.
The viral post is claiming that Pakistani authorities have introduced a new “Privacy Mode”, which allows them to monitor every Pakistani WhatsApp calls and groups. The post also warns that users who send political or religiously sensitive messages on the WhatsApp can be arrested.
Viral message
From 12pm tonight, all groups are being put on pressing as the new communication principles of WhatsApp and phone calls will be implemented tomorrow in Pakistan. Groups and messages will be strictly monitored in the coming days.
01. All the calls will be recorded.
02. All call recording will be saved.
03. WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and all social media will be monitored.
04. Tell those who do not know.
05. Your devices will be connected to the ministry system.
06. Be careful not to send a wrong message to anyone.
07. Tell your children, brothers, relatives, friends, acquaintances to take care of them and rarely run social sites.
08. Do not send any post or video to the government or the Prime Minister on politics or the current situation.
09. Currently writing or sending a message on a political or religious topic is a crime … Doing so can lead to arrest without arrest.
10. Police will issue a notification … then cybercrime … then action will take place, it is very serious.
11 All of you, group members, administrators … please consider this matter.
12. Be careful not to send the wrong message and tell everyone and pay attention to the subject.
13. Please share it.14. Groups must be more smart and alert
With regard to the nature of this message, there is anxiety among the public and the public is justified in asking that this is affected by the privacy of a common man. However, the views of our fact check team regarding this message are different.
Claim
According to Fact Czech, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has said that the PTA has not issued any such instructions nor has it had any role under the supervision of WhatsApp calls or messages. It should be noted that this is not possible because of the WhatsApp end -to -end encryption.
What is the end -to -end encryption?
The WhatsApp and to end encryption (E2EE) uses technology, which means that only the sender and the recipient can read it. Digital Rights Foundation founder Nighat Dad explained that due to this encryption, the Pakistani government cannot monitor WhatsApp communications extensively.
Monitoring of metadata
It should be noted that although governments cannot read the messages, they can collect metad data. The metadata may contain information about who you talk to, when and how long do you talk, your location (if GPS is active), and participation in groups. However, this monitoring is not widespread, but can be targeted by specific individuals or groups.
The use of spyware
Governments can oversee specific individuals using spyware such as pegas or malware. However, this procedure is not suitable for widespread monitoring.
The claim that the Pakistani government has enforced new laws, allowing mass surveillance of WhatsApp calls and groups, is absolutely wrong. Massive monitoring of WhatsApp messages is not possible due to end -to -end encryption. However, authorities can target specific individuals using metadata and other surveillance methods.
Precautions
Customers should take care of their digital privacy and avoid suspicious links or apps. Although widespread monitoring is not possible, there are risks to monitoring specific individuals.