WhatsApp uses the Signal Protocol for its end-to-end encryption. The Signal Protocol is an open-source encryption protocol developed by Open Whisper Systems, which is also used by the Signal messaging app.
The Signal Protocol provides strong security guarantees and is considered one of the most secure encryption protocols available for instant messaging. It uses a combination of symmetric and asymmetric encryption techniques to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of messages.
The encryption keys mentioned earlier, the public and private keys, are part of the Signal Protocol. These keys are used to establish secure communication channels between users and encrypt the messages exchanged.
WhatsApp's adoption of the Signal Protocol means that messages, calls, and media shared through the app are protected with robust encryption, making it extremely difficult for unauthorized parties to intercept or decrypt the content.
It's worth noting that WhatsApp's implementation of the Signal Protocol has undergone independent security audits to verify its effectiveness and security. This commitment to transparency and security has helped establish WhatsApp as a popular choice for private and secure communication.