I think all this is by-the-by. The gist of The Guardian's article was that WhatsApp has full control of when, if and how your messages are encrypted, and if you're a dissident working against an oppressive regime and you use WhatsApp to collaborate with your allies, your ass is grass, because there isn't anything physically preventing security agencies from getting hold of your communications.
That such security agencies have the power to force WhatsApp (or anyone) to comply with their demands is without doubt. A really secure system for activists would be one that makes it impossible even for the provider to read your messages, under any circumstances. WhatsApp is not just not that, it is also ridiculously easy for them to read your messages, if they so choose and you use it at your own risk.
That such security agencies have the power to force WhatsApp (or anyone) to comply with their demands is without doubt. A really secure system for activists would be one that makes it impossible even for the provider to read your messages, under any circumstances. WhatsApp is not just not that, it is also ridiculously easy for them to read your messages, if they so choose and you use it at your own risk.