A former WhatsApp security executive has filed a federal lawsuit against Meta, alleging the company systematically ignored critical vulnerabilities that exposed billions of users to unauthorized surveillance and data breaches. Attaullah Baig, who served as WhatsApp's head of security until his dismissal in February 2025, claims Meta prioritized user growth over fundamental privacy protections despite knowing about severe security flaws.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court, represents one of the most serious internal challenges to Meta's privacy practices since the company acquired WhatsApp for $19 billion in 2014. Baig's allegations paint a picture of a company willing to sacrifice user security to maintain its massive global user base and advertising revenue streams.
The timing of these revelations coincides with growing scrutiny of Big Tech companies' handling of user data, following recent high-profile breaches across the industry like the Social Security Mega-Breach where a 'Big Balls' whistleblower exposed the largest personal data leak in U.S. history. Meta's legal troubles could intensify as regulators worldwide examine whether the company violated existing privacy settlements and user trust agreements.
Technical Vulnerabilities Undermined End-to-End Encryption Claims
The lawsuit details how Meta's internal systems created backdoor access to WhatsApp communications, contradicting the company's public claims about end-to-end encryption protection. According to court documents, these vulnerabilities allowed unauthorized parties to intercept messages and access user metadata on an unprecedented scale.
1,500 Employees Had Unrestricted User Data Access
Baig's complaint reveals that approximately 1,500 Meta employees maintained unrestricted access to sensitive WhatsApp user information, including private messages, contact lists, and location data. This broad internal access violated both user expectations and terms outlined in Meta's 2019 Federal Trade Commission settlement, which specifically required enhanced privacy safeguards.
The lawsuit alleges that employees across multiple departments could access user data without proper oversight or legitimate business justification. This systemic exposure created opportunities for misuse and violated fundamental principles of data minimization that form the backbone of modern privacy regulations.
Account Takeovers Affected 400,000 Users Daily
Court filings suggest that security vulnerabilities led to approximately 400,000 WhatsApp accounts being compromised daily through various attack vectors. These breaches allowed malicious actors to gain control of user accounts, access private communications, and potentially conduct surveillance operations against targeted individuals.
The scale of these daily compromises represents a significant escalation from previously disclosed security incidents. Meta allegedly knew about these ongoing breaches but failed to implement adequate countermeasures due to concerns about impacting user experience and growth metrics.
Meta's Alleged Retaliation and FTC Settlement Violations
The lawsuit claims Meta retaliated against Baig after he repeatedly raised concerns about security vulnerabilities and compliance failures with senior leadership. According to the complaint, company executives dismissed his warnings and ultimately terminated his employment when he persisted in advocating for stronger security measures.
Baig's termination occurred just months after he submitted detailed reports documenting how Meta's practices violated its 2019 FTC settlement agreement. That settlement required Meta to implement comprehensive privacy programs and obtain user consent before sharing personal information with third parties.
The company's alleged pattern of prioritizing business interests over user security reflects broader tensions within Meta as it balances privacy obligations with its advertising-driven revenue model and Zuckerberg's AI initiatives that continue propelling the company forward. These competing priorities have created internal conflicts that may now face external legal scrutiny.
Broader Implications for Big Tech Security and Regulation
This lawsuit arrives as federal regulators intensify their examination of how major technology companies handle user data and comply with existing privacy settlements. The allegations could trigger new investigations into Meta's privacy practices and potentially influence pending legislation aimed at strengthening digital privacy protections.
Historical Context: Previous WhatsApp Security Controversies
WhatsApp has faced previous security challenges, including the 2019 NSO Group spyware attack that compromised an estimated 1,400 users globally. However, Baig's allegations suggest more systemic and ongoing vulnerabilities that may have affected the platform's entire user base over extended periods.
The company's acquisition by Meta in 2014 raised initial concerns about data sharing between platforms, leading to regulatory investigations in multiple jurisdictions. These new allegations suggest that integration challenges may have created additional security risks that weren't adequately addressed.
What This Means for WhatsApp's 3 Billion Users
For WhatsApp's massive global user base, these allegations raise fundamental questions about the security of their private communications and personal data. Users who relied on the platform's encryption promises may now question whether their conversations remained truly private from unauthorized access.
The lawsuit's outcome could influence how users approach messaging app selection and digital privacy practices. It may also accelerate adoption of alternative platforms that offer stronger security guarantees or more transparent privacy practices.
Regulatory responses to these allegations could reshape how messaging platforms implement security measures and communicate their privacy protections to users. The case represents a critical test of whether internal whistleblowing can effectively challenge Big Tech privacy practices through the legal system.
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