Key Takeaways:<\/p>\n
Pavel Durov accused WhatsApp of lying to billions of users about privacy.
\nDurov claims that despite saying they have \u201cend to end encryption\u201d (E2EE), WhatsApp can read and share private messages with third parties.
\nMeta denies these claims, saying their security system is safe and impossible to break.
\nThe fight highlights a debate over who can see your data in 2026.<\/p>\n
A Serious Accusation: Is Your Privacy Real?
\nOn April 10, 2026, Pavel Durov posted a message on X. He called WhatsApp\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
WhatsApp\u2019s \u201cencryption\u201d may be the biggest consumer fraud in history \u2014 deceiving billions of users. Despite its claims, it reads users\u2019 messages and shares them with third parties. Telegram has never done this \u2014 and never will \ud83e\udd1d pic.twitter.com\/2DYguybgoU
\n\u2014 Pavel Durov (@durov) April 9, 2026<\/p>\n
Why Does Durov Think WhatsApp is Cheating?
\nThe founder of Telegram based his claims on reports that say Meta can access user data through backdoors or specialized safety systems. For example:<\/p>\n
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.
\nSystem 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.<\/p>\n
Meta\u2019s Response That Your Messages are Safe<\/p>\n
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\u2019t need to read the words you type. However, Meta doesn\u2019t deny working with third parties for safety, which is where the controversy begins.<\/p>\n
Feature
\nWhatsApp
\nTelegram
\nTelegram<\/p>\n
Main Encryption
\nE2EE for all private chats.
\nE2EE (Secret Chat only).
\nCloud-based (Not E2EE).<\/p>\n
Can they read it?
\nMeta says \u201cNo.\u201d
\nTelegram says \u201cNo.\u201d
\nStored on servers for syncing.<\/p>\n
Third-Party Access
\nAccused of having backdoors.
\nClaims they never share data.
\nClaims they never share data.<\/p>\n
Comparison of Telegram and WhatsApp security<\/p>\n
Read Next: Meta and Nebius Signed $27 Billion AI Infrastructure Deal for the Next Five Years\u00a0
\nChoosing the Best Privacy Level for Users Needs
\nFor 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.
\nRead Next: Bybit Strengthened Transparency with 32nd Proof of Reserves Report<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"