Google’s indexing of WhatsApp numbers raises privacy concerns

Google is indexing the phone numbers used on WhatsApp, and a researcher is concerned that it could cause privacy issues or be used for malicious purposes.

Earlier this year, Bleeping Computer reported how invite links to private groups of messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram were visible on Google, letting anyone join the groups.

This week, security researcher Athul Jayaram highlighted an issue with WhatsApp’s “wa.me” domain “leaking” contact phone numbers on Google.

The ‘wa.me’ domain is owned by WhatsApp and is used to host ‘click to chat‘ links that “allows you to begin a chat with someone without having their phone number saved in your phone’s address book.”

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About the author

Ax Sharma

Ax Sharma is a Security Researcher, Engineer, and Tech Columnist. His works and expert analyses have frequently been featured by leading media outlets like Fortune, The Register, TechRepublic, CIO, etc.

Ax’s expertise lies in vulnerability research, reverse engineering, software development, and web app security. He’s an active community member of the OWASP Foundation and the British Association of Journalists (BAJ).

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