
Will Meta face legal or regulatory consequences over WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption claims?
An international group of plaintiffs has filed a class-action lawsuit in San Francisco accusing Meta of misleading users about the privacy of WhatsApp. The suit alleges that despite public claims of full end-to-end encryption, the company can store, analyze, or access message content—claims Meta strongly denies, calling the case unfounded and vowing to seek sanctions. The case tests whether WhatsApp’s encryption messaging could be judged deceptive marketing or reaffirmed as technically accurate. A ruling or settlement would have wide implications for how major tech platforms communicate privacy guarantees.
Conditions
Resolves “Yes” if by September 30, 2026, a U.S. court issues a ruling, settlement, or injunction that imposes material legal penalties on Meta related to the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses lawsuit — including monetary damages, compulsory licensing fees, sales restrictions, or a court-approved settlement acknowledging infringement. Otherwise — “No.”
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