Urgent Question from Tom Watson following WhatsApp data breach
15 May 2019 (updated on 15 May 2019)
The Shadow Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, Tom Watson, asked an urgent question on the recent cyber attack on WhatsApp.
WhatsApp confirmed a cyber attack targeted a number of users and was carried out by "an advanced cyber-actor". The company has since recommended its users to update their app as a precaution.
The Minister of State for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Margot James, responded to the question on behalf of the Government and announced:
"...the National Cyber Security Centre has acted quickly to assess the risk to UK users and to publish guidance for our user base here in the UK. The NCSC has recommended that users protect their devices by installing updates as soon as they become available."
Tom Watson, replied to the Minister and said:
"The Government wants tech companies to build back doors in to their services but this is an example of what happens if malicious actors find those doors. Those who are fighting for justice and what's right come under attack. The government must not allow that to happen."
- Watch Parliament TV: urgent question on WhatsApp data breach
- Read Commons Hansard: WhatsApp Data Breach
- Read guidance issued by the National Security Cyber Centre (external site)
Image: Pixabay
Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber. Please fill in our quick feedback survey to help us improve our news content.