Vulnerabilities

Former WhatsApp Security Chief Sues Meta Over Alleged Data Protection Failures

Ex-WhatsApp security head sues Meta, alleging ignored cybersecurity flaws risked billions' data, violating a $5B government order.

By Content Team

Sep 9, 2025

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Attaullah Baig, WhatsApp's former head of security, filed a federal lawsuit Monday claiming Meta endangered billions of users by ignoring critical cybersecurity flaws. Baig alleges 1,500 engineers had unrestricted access to user data without oversight, potentially violating a 2020 government order that cost Meta $5 billion.

The 115-page complaint details how over 100,000 accounts were hacked daily while executives prioritized growth over security fixes. Baig says he repeatedly warned senior leadership, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg, that engineers could steal user data "without detection."

Meta dismissed the claims as "distorted" and said Baig was fired for poor performance, not retaliation. The case adds pressure on Meta's data practices across its platforms serving billions globally.

Source: The Guardian

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