End-to-end encryption is a security feature in WhatsApp that ensures only the sender and recipient of a message can read or listen to what is sent, and nobody in between, not even WhatsApp. This means that messages, photos, videos, voice messages, and calls are secured with a lock, and only the recipient and sender have the special key needed to unlock and read them. End-to-end encryption is used when you chat with another person using WhatsApp Messenger.

When you turn on end-to-end encrypted backup, you can add the same protection to your phone’s WhatsApp database, iCloud, or Google Drive backup. With end-to-end encrypted backup, you can create a password or key to secure your messages and media in the cloud. You can use your password or key, biometrics, or your device PIN to turn off end-to-end encrypted backup.

It is important to note that while WhatsApps end-to-end encryption system is secure, metadata associated with messages is visible to Facebook and law enforcement authorities. For example, WhatsApp moderators can review messages that have been flagged as "improper" by the recipient, and AI algorithms process unencrypted metadata such as names, profile images, phone numbers, device fingerprints, and related Facebook and Instagram accounts.