Elon Musk Critiques WhatsApp Amid Class-Action Lawsuit Over Privacy Concerns

Elon Musk has publicly criticized WhatsApp, claiming users can't trust the app following a class-action lawsuit against Meta. The lawsuit alleges that Meta misled users about the privacy of their messages, allowing unauthorized access. Musk promotes his platform, X Chat, as a more secure alternative. Telegram's CEO also weighed in, calling WhatsApp's encryption a major fraud. As privacy concerns rise, users are left to navigate their options regarding messaging apps. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for user trust and data security in the tech industry.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 10, 2026, 12:20 IST

Musk's Strong Criticism of WhatsApp

Elon Musk has once again expressed his distrust towards WhatsApp, stating that users "can't trust" the widely-used messaging platform. His remarks followed a recent class-action lawsuit that accuses Meta of permitting employees, contractors, and third parties to access, intercept, and store private messages, contradicting WhatsApp's claims of end-to-end encryption. Musk took to X to comment on the lawsuit, simply stating: “Can’t trust WhatsApp.” He also encouraged users to switch to X Chat for messaging, voice, and video calls, claiming it provides “actual privacy.” Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov, joined the conversation, labeling WhatsApp’s encryption as “the biggest consumer fraud in history” and pointing out its numerous security flaws.

Details of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit against Meta has been filed in a U.S. federal court by individuals from various countries, including Canada, South Africa, and the United States. It alleges that Meta misled billions by promoting WhatsApp as a fully private service while secretly granting access to third parties and internal teams. If the court rules against Meta, it could set a precedent regarding user trust and raise concerns about the security of Meta's messaging services.

Meta's Response

Meta and WhatsApp quickly dismissed the allegations. WhatsApp responded by stating that the claims are “categorically false and absurd.” The company highlighted that it has utilized the Signal protocol for end-to-end encryption for over ten years, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can read messages, as the encryption keys remain on users’ devices. A Meta executive further claimed that the lawsuit lacks merit and seems to be a publicity stunt, noting that the law firm behind the case has previously represented controversial spyware companies.

Musk's Ongoing Critique

This isn't Musk's first critique of WhatsApp's security. He has previously questioned the reliability of WhatsApp and Signal as secure messaging platforms. Musk advocates for X Chat as a superior alternative, emphasizing its lack of advertisements and data collection. While X Chat does offer end-to-end encryption, there are notable differences in how it and other platforms like Signal manage encryption keys and metadata. Despite Musk's criticisms, WhatsApp boasts over two billion users globally and remains one of the largest messaging services, especially in regions like India.

Implications for Users

This ongoing debate highlights the broader "encryption wars" as major tech companies vie for control over user privacy. As privacy concerns grow, governments and regulators are increasingly scrutinizing how these applications handle user data. Users are left to decide whether to switch apps, enable additional security features like encrypted backups, or trust WhatsApp's current security measures. WhatsApp maintains that messages between users are kept private from everyone else, including those on the platform. However, Musk and others are leveraging the lawsuit to promote their platforms as more secure alternatives. The case is still in its early stages, and its outcome remains to be seen. Users who prioritize confidentiality may want to review their app settings, activate disappearing messages, or consider alternatives to WhatsApp.