Terrorists whose attacks in Paris last month killed more than 100 people may have used encrypted apps to carry out preparations.
Investigators found evidence they believe shows some of the attackers used apps that encrypt messages and protects the privacy of users — such as Facebook’s WhatsApp and Telegram — to communicate, CNN reported, citing unnamed officials briefed on the investigation.
Those officials said that they don’t know the actual content of the messages but that those apps were used in advance of the strikes.
Facebook and Telegram didn’t immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
Encryption elements on consumer apps are designed to protect the privacy of everyday users. WhatsApp has more than 900 million monthly active users, meaning the vast majority of its usage is mundane messages between friends and family.