Can deleted WhatsApp messages be read on someone else's iPhone - briefly?
No, deleted WhatsApp messages cannot be read on someone else's iPhone. Once a message is deleted by the sender using the "Delete for Everyone" feature, it becomes irretrievable from both the sender's and recipient's devices. This ensures that sensitive information remains protected even after deletion.
Can deleted WhatsApp messages be read on someone else's iPhone - in detail?
The question of whether deleted WhatsApp messages can be read on someone else's iPhone is a complex one, requiring an understanding of both the technical aspects of data storage and retrieval, as well as the security measures implemented by WhatsApp.
WhatsApp, owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), employs end-to-end encryption for all messages sent through its platform. This means that only the sender and recipient can read the messages, and even WhatsApp itself cannot access their content. When a message is deleted from one device, it is also removed from the server side, ensuring that no trace of the message remains on WhatsApp's servers.
However, deleting a message from one device does not automatically delete it from other devices where the same account is active. This is because WhatsApp messages are stored locally on each device they are sent to. If a user has multiple devices linked to their WhatsApp account, such as an iPhone and an iPad, deleting a message from one will not delete it from the others. Therefore, if someone else has access to another device linked to the same WhatsApp account, they may still be able to read the deleted messages on that device.
It is also worth noting that even after a message is deleted from all devices, there might still be traces of the message stored in local backups or caches. These backups can be created automatically by the device's operating system or manually by the user. If someone gains access to these backups, they may potentially read deleted messages. However, this requires a certain level of technical expertise and access to the physical device or cloud storage where the backups are stored.
In summary, while WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption ensures that deleted messages cannot be read from their servers, there are scenarios in which deleted messages can still be accessed on other devices linked to the same account or through local backups and caches. It is crucial for users to be aware of these possibilities and take appropriate measures to protect their data, such as regularly reviewing and deleting old backups and ensuring that their devices are secure.