Private investigators are often approached with requests to access WhatsApp or Facebook messages.
However, it is important to know that these fall outside the boundaries of what private investigators can, and are legally allowed to do.
In this blog post, we will debunk the myths on the ability of private investigators to hack into these messaging platforms, and why it’s so important to stick to the law.
Why Hacking WhatsApp or Facebook is Near-Impossible
WhatsApp, owned by Facebook, utilises end-to-end encryption to secure user messages.
This means that the content of messages is encrypted on the sender’s device and can only be decrypted by the intended recipient’s device.
This level of encryption makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for anyone, including private investigators, to intercept or decrypt these messages without proper authorisation.
The Legal Consequences of Unauthorised Access
Attempting to hack into WhatsApp or any other messaging platform without proper authorisation is not only practically impossible, but it is also illegal!
Unauthorised access to servers or devices is considered a criminal act and can lead to serious legal consequences.
It is essential for private investigators to operate within the boundaries of the law and respect the privacy rights of individuals.
To understand the severity of going against these laws, here are some real life examples…
The Levison Inquiry
The Levison Inquiry was a judicial public inquiry into the culture, practices, and ethics of the British press, mainly because of the News International phone hacking scandal.
The inquiry uncovered extensive phone hacking by Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) and showed that many media companies often used private investigators.
This highlighted a need for increased scrutiny and regulation, not only of the media industry but also the activities of private investigators working for these organisations.
Prince Harry’s Phone Scandal
Recently, Prince Harry won substantial damages in a hacking case against the Daily Mirror. The judge ruled that there was extensive phone hacking by MGN and that senior executives, including the editor at the time, were aware of the practice.
It was revealed that the Sun newspaper had illegally hacked his voicemails and hired private investigators to get private information about his relationships during the 2000s.
This case shows the importance of respecting privacy laws and the severe consequences that can arise from unauthorised access to personal information.
Legal Access: Consent is Key!
So, can private investigators legally access such information?
The only legitimate means for a private investigator to access someone’s WhatsApp or Facebook messages is with the explicit consent of the person in question.
It may seem counterintuitive to seek assistance from the subject of an investigation, but in some cases, individuals may be willing to cooperate with investigators.
However, it is crucial to remember that this approach relies solely on the subject’s willingness to assist, and there are many other legal methods to gather information on clients.
Private investigators cannot hack into WhatsApp or Facebook messages due to the robust encryption employed by these platforms.
Attempts to do so are not only beyond the capabilities of most investigators but also illegal.
Going against these laws can have severe consequences, so it’s important to make sure to hire a private investigator who does not offer these services – it’s either illegal or they’re lying!
At Dolos Investigations, we pride ourselves on our expertise and adherence to ethical standards in conducting investigations.
We understand the limitations imposed by encryption and the legality surrounding unauthorised access to personal messages.
Our focus is always on delivering valuable and legitimate results for our clients through legal means.
Get in touch with us to find out how we can help you uncover information, the right way.
