Texas Sues Meta, WhatsApp Alleging Misleading Claims About Security Features

Attorney General Ken Paxton alleges the app misleads users on security and is seeking to ban unauthorized message access.

The icons of various social media apps, in a file photo. Yui Mok/PA Wire

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued WhatsApp and its parent company, Meta Platforms Inc., on Thursday, alleging the messaging app misleads users about its security features.

The lawsuit accuses the companies of deceptive trade practices by telling users their messages on WhatsApp are securely encrypted while allegedly maintaining access to virtually all private communications.