Whistle-Blower Sues Meta Over Claims of WhatsApp Security Flaws

A shocking lawsuit has been filed against Meta, alleging serious security and privacy flaws in its messaging app, WhatsApp. The former head of security for the platform, Attaullah Baig, is making headlines with his allegations that the company's top leaders ignored critical weaknesses that put billions of users at risk.

According to the lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court of the District of Northern California on Monday, thousands of WhatsApp and Meta employees could potentially access sensitive user data, including profile pictures, location information, group memberships, and contact lists. This is a serious breach of trust, as users rely on these platforms for private communication.

Furthermore, Meta allegedly failed to adequately address the hacking of over 100,000 accounts each day. In fact, Mr. Baig had proposed security fixes that were rejected by the company's top leaders, including its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg. It appears that Meta was more concerned with protecting its own interests than ensuring the safety and privacy of its users.

But what's even more disturbing is that Mr. Baig tried to warn Meta's leadership about these security weaknesses, only to be met with retaliation. In February, he claims that his managers fired him in response to his efforts to bring attention to these issues. This raises serious questions about the company's culture and commitment to user safety.

The lawsuit also alleges that Meta's actions violated a privacy settlement it reached with the Federal Trade Commission in 2019, as well as securities laws that require companies to disclose risks to shareholders. Mr. Baig is represented by Psst.org and the law firm Schonbrun, Seplow, Harris, Hoffman & Zeldes.

This latest development is just the latest in a string of whistle-blower allegations against Meta. As the tech giant continues to grow and expand its reach, it's essential that we hold companies accountable for their actions and prioritize user safety above all else. The stakes are high, and it's time for Meta to take responsibility for its security flaws.