Dissidents disappointed but not surprised by WhatsApp security flaw

Many activists say they were already wary of trusting Facebook-owned app's promise of total privacy

The exposure of a security flaw in WhatsApp has disappointed activists, diplomats and others who use it regularly for their work, but in a world of increasing surveillance and ever more aggressive hacking, many say they were already wary of trusting its promise of total privacy.

Keeping plans and communications hidden from hostile authorities or rivals can be a constantly shifting game of digital cat and mouse. "[I believe] nothing is particularly safe in these messenger systems," said a western diplomat who regularly uses WhatsApp but not for sensitive information, "just for keeping in touch and logistics".