Ex-WhatsApp cybersecurity head says Meta endangered billions of users
2 days ago
- #Meta
- #Whistleblower
- #Cybersecurity
- WhatsApp's former head of cybersecurity, Attaullah Baig, filed a lawsuit against Meta, alleging the company ignored security flaws and violated regulations.
- Baig claims 1,500 engineers had unrestricted access to user data, potentially violating a 2020 US government order that fined Meta $5bn.
- He alleges Meta failed to address the hacking of over 100,000 accounts daily, prioritizing user growth over security fixes.
- Internal testing revealed WhatsApp engineers could access and steal user data, including contact info and profile photos, without detection.
- Baig reported concerns to senior executives, including WhatsApp head Will Cathcart and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, but faced retaliation.
- Meta denies the claims, stating Baig was dismissed for poor performance and is misrepresenting the company's efforts.
- Baig seeks reinstatement, back pay, compensatory damages, and regulatory action against Meta in his whistleblower complaint.
- The lawsuit adds to ongoing scrutiny of Meta's data protection practices across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.