Facebook, Google, WhatsApp to beef up security of user data - CNET

Facebook and Google are among the major tech players increasing their efforts to make sure your data is as secure as possible from prying eyes, including those of the US govement.

Facebook already encrypts the messages of its WhatsApp instant-messaging service. Now the social network is aiming to apply encryption to the service's voice calls and group messages, The Guardian reported Monday, citing two people familiar with the matter. Facebook is also looking into enhancing the security of its Messenger chat tool.

Google is investigating whether the encryption used for emails as part of its End-To-End project can be applied to other products. Snapchat, the photo- and video-sharing service, is also at work on a more secure messaging system, The Guardian added.

Encryption has been a hot-button topic lately because of Apple's battle with the US Department of Justice. The DOJ has been trying to force the company to unlock an iPhone 5C used by one of the shooters who killed 14 people in the San Beardino, Califoia, massacre in December. But the renewed encryption efforts by Facebook and the other tech companies started before Apple's fight with the DOJ, The Guardian said.

The moves by tech companies to expand the encryption for their products and services come amid a growing battle between Silicon Valley and the US govement. Technology firms are putting a higher priority on security to convince customers their private data is fully protected. But the US govement and law enforcement officials are challenging the encryption used in tech products, arguing that it obstructs their capability to access information vital in criminal and terrorist investigations.