13 Articles

Surge of Hate Speech in the Sahel, Including on WhatsApp, Signals Atrocity Risk
The threat is greatest in central Mali, but persecution of the Fulbe (Fulani) across the region seeds fertile ground for ethnic cleansing.

Spyware Company NSO Group Faces Setbacks in Attempts to Avoid US Lawsuits
In a case brought by WhatsApp, a US court ruled that the NSO Group was liable for hacking and breach of contract.

Unpacking the Meta Announcement: The Future of the Information Ecosystem and Implications for Democracy
Meta's changes reflect the trend of deregulation, aligning with Zuckerberg's vision of prioritizing free expression over community safety.

The Just Security Podcast: The Spread of Political Propaganda on Encrypted Messaging Apps
Messaging platforms such as have become highly influential tools for manipulating and misleading voters around the world.

Political Propaganda Runs Wild on Messaging Apps – Platform Owners Can Help Counter It
Messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Viber have become highly influential tools for manipulating and misleading voters.

Facebook Beware: The “Rest of World” is Hitting Back
A constitutional petition in Kenya asks its High Court to order Facebook to change its algorithm to demote inciteful, hateful and dangerous content.

We Now Know What Information the FBI Can Obtain from Encrypted Messaging Apps
Despite its “going dark” claims, the FBI can obtain a remarkable amount of user data from secure messaging apps that collectively have several billion global users.

NSO Group Loses Immunity Claim at the Ninth Circuit
In 2019, the messaging platform WhatsApp sued NSO Group, alleging that the Israeli company sent spyware through WhatsApp’s servers to approximately 1,400 mobile devises in violation…

Myanmar is Experiencing a Digital-Age Coup – Tech Companies Must Push Back
Since taking power, Myanmar's military has limited access to social media, and at times cut internet service overall. What can tech companies do to resist?

Saudi Arabia’s MBS Served with Extrajudicial Killing Lawsuit – Via WhatsApp
Electronic service of process -- including via social media -- has become an increasingly common practice. Gone are the days of the pizza delivery ruse.

WhatsApp v. NSO Group: State Immunity and Cyber Spying
WhatsApp claims NSO implanted spyware on phones of human rights activists, lawyers, and religious figures. NSO says it can't be sued if it did so on behalf of (undisclosed) foreign…

Trump and the Demise of the Presidential Records Honor System
News broke yesterday that Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior policy advisor, has been using the private messaging application WhatsApp for official…