Key Takeaways:
Pavel Durov accused WhatsApp of lying to billions of users about privacy.
Durov claims that despite saying they have “end to end encryption” (E2EE), WhatsApp can read and share private messages with third parties.
Meta denies these claims, saying their security system is safe and impossible to break.
The fight highlights a debate over who can see your data in 2026.
A Serious Accusation: Is Your Privacy Real?
On April 10, 2026, Pavel Durov posted a message on X. He called WhatsApp’s security claims the biggest consumer fraud in history. According to Durov, WhatsApp is deceiving billions of people by telling them their messages are private when they might not be. He believes that Meta reads user messages and shares them with third parties, such as content moderators or partners.
WhatsApp’s “encryption” may be the biggest consumer fraud in history — deceiving billions of users. Despite its claims, it reads users’ messages and shares them with third parties. Telegram has never done this — and never will 🤝 pic.twitter.com/2DYguybgoU
— Pavel Durov (@durov) April 9, 2026
Why Does Durov Think WhatsApp is Cheating?
The founder of Telegram based his claims on reports that say Meta can access user data through backdoors or specialized safety systems. For example:
Content Moderators: Some reports show that when a message is reported, it is sent to outside workers to check for illegal content. Durov argues that this creates a point of entry into private chats.
System Design: Critics argue that the way WhatsApp builds encryption will allow the company to step in and see content if they choose to, which goes against the goal of privacy.
Meta’s Response That Your Messages are Safe
Meta denied these claims. The company said that WhatsApp uses the Signal Protocol, which is the industry standard for security. Meta says it is impossible for them to read the text of private messages. They explain that their safety systems only use metadata (info about who sent the message and when) and AI analysis that doesn’t need to read the words you type. However, Meta doesn’t deny working with third parties for safety, which is where the controversy begins.
Feature
WhatsApp
Telegram
Telegram
Main Encryption
E2EE for all private chats.
E2EE (Secret Chat only).
Cloud-based (Not E2EE).
Can they read it?
Meta says “No.”
Telegram says “No.”
Stored on servers for syncing.
Third-Party Access
Accused of having backdoors.
Claims they never share data.
Claims they never share data.
Comparison of Telegram and WhatsApp security
Read Next: Meta and Nebius Signed $27 Billion AI Infrastructure Deal for the Next Five Years
Choosing the Best Privacy Level for Users Needs
For users, this debate shows that privacy often has different levels. While WhatsApp is easier to use for people, Telegram offers secret chats for those who want extra protection.. Whether you choose WhatsApp or Telegram, the most important thing is to stay informed about the apps you use every day.
Read Next: Bybit Strengthened Transparency with 32nd Proof of Reserves Report