https://www.axios.com/2025/06/23/whatsapp-house-congress-staffers-messaging-app
The U.S. House of Representatives has prohibited congressional staff from installing or using WhatsApp on government-issued devices, classifying the messaging platform as a “high-risk” communication tool. The ban, which covers mobile phones, laptops, desktop computers, and web browsers on those devices, was announced through an internal email from the House’s Chief Administrative Officer Catherine Szpindor to congressional staff. While staff members can still use WhatsApp on personal devices, existing policies already restrict personal devices in sensitive areas such as classified briefings and secure facilities.
The decision reflects broader efforts by the House to limit potentially risky technology platforms, following similar restrictions on ByteDance apps like TikTok and AI tools like ChatGPT, which is only permitted in a special government version. Szpindor emphasized that protecting the House and its data remains the top priority, with the office regularly reviewing and updating approved applications based on cybersecurity risks. The CAO recommended several alternatives including Microsoft Teams, Wickr, Signal, iMessage, and FaceTime as acceptable substitutes for official communications.
WhatsApp strongly disputed the characterization, with a spokesperson stating that messages on the platform are end-to-end encrypted by default, providing higher security than most apps on the approved list that lack such protection. The company noted that members and staff regularly use WhatsApp and expressed hope that House members could officially join their Senate counterparts in using the platform. The ban comes amid growing concerns about data privacy, particularly following WhatsApp’s recent announcement of introducing ads and promoted content in the Updates tab, which will use location, language, and interaction behavior data for targeted advertising.