No Hacking Needed: How German Police Access Encrypted Messages
What Happened
Reports reveal that German law enforcement agencies have been accessing messages on WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram and other messaging apps without breaking end-to-end encryption. Instead, investigators reportedly use the apps' linked-device features such as WhatsApp Web or Signal Desktop to connect a police-controlled device to a target account. Authorities may gain access through physical access to a phone, intercepted verification codes, or phishing tactics. Once linked, messages are delivered directly to the police-controlled device while encryption remains intact.
Key Takeaways
The case highlights that encryption can protect messages in transit, but not necessarily devices connected to an account. Privacy advocates and legal experts have questioned the legality of the practice, while security experts say users should regularly check for unknown linked devices on their messaging apps.