WhatsApp microphone bug raises privacy concerns among millions of users

WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging application, is once again facing privacy concerns. This time, it is over allegations that the microphone on Android smartphones is being activated without the users' consent. The issue has raised alarm bells among hundreds of millions of users, who fear that their privacy may have been compromised.

According to reports, the bug is affecting a large number of users, including those who have not opened the WhatsApp application. The issue was first reported by an engineer from Twitter, and it was quickly shared by many users on social media. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk also weighed in, warning users not to trust WhatsApp.

Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, has defended the application, claiming that the issue is a “bug.” The company has blamed Android directly for the problem and has claimed that it has no control over it.

Despite the company's assurances, many users are concerned about their privacy. No security patch has been released by either Google or WhatsApp, leaving users vulnerable to potential hacks. The bug has been observed on Google Pixel devices, and many Samsung users have also confirmed the problem.

The incident is the latest in a series of privacy controversies that have dogged WhatsApp in recent years. The company has been accused of sharing user data with Facebook, and it has faced criticism over its encryption policies. The latest issue is likely to further erode users' trust in the application and may prompt some to switch to alternative messaging platforms like Signal or Telegram.