Is It Safe to Send Private Photos on WhatsApp in 2021?

The last couple of months haven’t been the easiest for WhatsApp, currently facing an exodus of users due to a poorly executed change to its terms of service. There are many misconceptions about these latest changes, especially in the realm of digital privacy. Since many of you use WhatsApp as your primary messenger, we’re sure you’ll want to know – is it still safe to send private photos on WhatsApp? 

Well, after taking a deep look at WhatsApp’s new privacy policy, we can tell you one thing. Technically, any private photos you send via WhatsApp are still safe and encrypted. However, that doesn’t mean that you should blindly trust others with your sensitive data, and here’s why.

Does WhatsApp Still Encrypt My Photos? 

Yes, WhatsApp still encrypts any type of content of your messages. That means that the app uses end-to-end encryption to “hide” your texts, photos, images, and other media types.

Also, know that we’re talking about end-to-end encryption here. Therefore, your messages are encrypted on your end and then decrypted on the recipient’s end. They’re never read, seen, or listened to by WhatsApp’s team. Consequentially, that means that it’s safe to send private photos on WhatsApp – but keep in mind that two types of messaging exist on this app.

The above-said applies to personal messaging only. There’s also business messaging, and a whole different set of rules applies there.

When contacting businesses, know that your data might end up on Facebook’s servers (as Facebook owns WhatsApp). However, since the focus of this article is on the private photos you send via WhatsApp, we won’t delve too deep into business messaging.

Does WhatsApp Store Photos on Its Servers?

No, WhatsApp doesn’t keep your photos stored on its servers. This app uses end-to-end encryption, eliminating the possibility of your private images finding their way to WhatsApp’s servers.

Still, keep in mind that WhatsApp can store your messages in some instances. Typically, when you send a WhatsApp message, that message is delivered instantly. However, if the recipient is having Internet connectivity problems (for example), your message will be stored on WhatsApp’s servers until it gets delivered. If that doesn’t happen for 30 days, your message will be deleted.

Once again, keep in mind that WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption. So, even though the app can store your undelivered messages on its servers, they’ll still be hidden from WhatsApp’s eyes (due to end-to-end encryption).

Who Can See My WhatsApp Photos?

Only you and the recipient of your message(s) can see your WhatsApp photos. Therefore, technically speaking, it’s safe to send private photos on WhatsApp (even in 2021).

However, you have to ask yourself one question (a hugely important one) – do you really trust the recipient of your message to get rid of your private photos? That person can still create screenshots or use another device’s camera to record your messages. On top of that, any locally installed WhatsApp instance saves media automatically (by default), which means a copy of your private photo will be stored on the recipient’s phone.

Once that photo gets stored on your or someone else’s phone, it can be uploaded as part of a backup file. That happens automatically on iPhones, iPads, and Android phones, for example. Therefore, at least in theory, your sensitive data can still be hacked or exposed, creating another vulnerability you need to keep in mind.

With that said, know that WhatsApp is actually the most private part of this “equation.” You still have to think good and hard about whether someone else might expose your personal data, deliberately or accidentally.

What About WhatsApp’s New Privacy Policy? Does It Affect Images?

WhatsApp’s new privacy policy doesn’t affect the images you exchange with other individuals. However, it affects the images you share with businesses.

With that said, even though personal messaging will remain end-to-end encrypted, it’s still a good idea to learn how WhatsApp’s new policy will affect your use of the app. Also, it’s good to know what happens if you don’t accept the new terms, if you can reject the new terms, or whether you can change your mind about accepting WhatsApp’s privacy policy.

In the End – Is It Safe to Send Private Photos on WhatsApp? 

Yes, it’s safe to send private photos on WhatsApp, even in 2021, and even if you accept the latest changes to WhatsApp’s new privacy policy.

However, as we tried to point out in this article, WhatsApp isn’t the only “party” that should concern you. The recipient of your photos might decide to take advantage of your trust, or perhaps a security vulnerability might appear and put your privacy at risk. So, we are aware that there’s no perfect encryption or software technology that can remain anonymous forever.

So, do you still plan to use WhatsApp to send private photos? Let us know about your decision via the comments section below. And of course, thank you for reading!