Durov Slams WhatsApp Encryption as 'Giant Fraud' in Texas Meta Suit

On May 23, 2026, Telegram founder Pavel Durov amplified the controversy by labeling WhatsApp’s encryption a “giant fraud” and urging users to switch platforms. The suit, filed May 21 in Harrison County by Texas AG Ken Paxton under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, alleges Meta can access virtually all messages and seeks an injunction plus monetary penalties. It references a federal probe, an SEC whistleblower complaint, and Google’s $1.375 billion 2025 settlement. Meta denies the claims, stating it cannot access encrypted communications. A parallel suit against Discord was also filed the same day, while META.OQ last traded at $607.65.