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Android 'eavesdropping' bug makes it look like WhatsApp is listening to your microphone

WhatsApp has highlighted an Android 'bug' which makes it seems as if the app is listening to users' microphones - fortunately Google is working on a fix to reassure users

[This illustration photograph taken on April 11, 2023, shows the US instant messaging software Whatsapp's logo on a smartphone screen in Moscow. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP) (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)]

A newly-identified 'bug' allows WhatsApp to access the microphone at any time on some Android devices(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

WhatsApp is widely known as one of the most secure messaging apps out there, largely thanks to its end-to-end encryption technology.

But the app's reputation has been called into question due to a major bug on Android which makes it appear as if WhatsApp can access your microphone at any time.

WhatsApp typically only has permission to use your microphone when you're actually on the app itself.

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However, an Android bug was identified by a Twitter engineer who claimed 'WhatsApp has been using the microphone in the background while I was asleep' and shared a screenshot of a 'timeline' of usage.

[WhatsApp has admitted that a 'bug' lets it listen to users' microphones even when they're not on the app - fortunately you can take key steps now to keep your conversations private]

A Twitter engineer claims he found a record of WhatsApp accessing his microphone when he wasn't on the app(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A statement from Google clarified that the bug, which is part of the Android operating system, is causing the Privacy Dashboard to display incorrect information about WhatsApp.

In a statement, Google said: "Based on our current investigation, this reported bug in Android affecting WhatsApp users produces incorrect privacy indicators and notifications in the Privacy Dashboard. We are working to develop a fix for users.

Commenting on the 'bug', WhatsApp said in a Twitter statement: "Over the last 24 hours we've been in touch with a Twitter engineer who posted an issue with his Pixel phone and WhatsApp.

"We believe this is a bug on Android that mis-attributes information in their Privacy Dashboard and have asked Google to investigate and remediate."

[BRAZIL - 2021/08/24: In this photo illustration the WhatsApp logo seen displayed on a smartphone. (Photo Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)]

WhatsApp attributed the issue to a bug in Android and called on Google to help fix it(Image: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

The WhatsApp team added: "Users have full control over their mic settings. Once granted permission, WhatsApp only accesses the mic when a user is making a call or recording a voice note or videoand even then, these communications are protected by end-to-end encryption so WhatsApp cannot hear them."

Update 11/05: This article has been updated to reflect Google's statement which clarifies that the Android bug is falsely reporting microphone usage information in the Privacy Dashboard. Google is working on a fix and no user action is currently required.

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