WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States House of Representatives has directed that WhatsApp be removed from all government-issued devices, following the exposure of security vulnerabilities reportedly exploited by a former Israeli spyware company.
The directive, issued on Wednesday, June 26, 2025, comes amid rising concerns over metadata breaches and unauthorized surveillance, which officials say could compromise sensitive government communications and national security protocols.
According to congressional sources, investigations revealed that a former Israeli spyware firm — previously linked to high-profile cyber-intrusion cases — had exploited weaknesses in WhatsApp’s metadata architecture, allowing it to track communication patterns, access location data, and potentially expose contact networks without breaching message encryption.
Although WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms Inc., maintains end-to-end encryption for user messages, experts have long warned that metadata — including sender and receiver identity, time stamps, and device information — remains vulnerable to sophisticated surveillance tools.
A spokesperson from the House Chief Administrative Officer’s Office confirmed that all staffers, lawmakers, and contractors have been ordered to uninstall the application from official devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The decision, according to the office, is part of broader cybersecurity precautions being adopted across federal institutions.
“We take the security of our communication infrastructure seriously. Given credible evidence of exploitation, we’re taking proactive steps to eliminate vulnerabilities associated with third-party messaging apps,” the statement read.
The spyware firm implicated in the breach was not officially named in the House communication. However, analysts believe it could be linked to entities previously associated with the development of Pegasus-like surveillance software, known for targeting journalists, activists, and even government officials globally.
Cybersecurity analysts and digital rights advocates have applauded the decision, calling for increased scrutiny of private messaging apps used within government circles. Some have also urged other institutions — including the Pentagon and Department of State — to re-evaluate the use of commercial platforms for official communication.
Meta has not released an official statement on the House order but has in the past denied allegations that WhatsApp’s infrastructure is vulnerable to surveillance. The company argues that user privacy remains a cornerstone of its platform, even as it continues to work with global regulators to address security concerns.
Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers are pushing for a comprehensive review of third-party applications used on federal devices, with some suggesting the adoption of secure, government-controlled communication systems moving forward.
