Investigation into WhatsApp privacy shut down after findings revealed—Bloomberg (update)

A Bloomberg-sourced investigation into whether Meta (META.OQ) can view encrypted WhatsApp messages was abruptly closed after an internal federal agent concluded Meta stores and can access messages users expect to be private. WhatsApp has denied the claims, saying outside parties cannot access encrypted communications and authorities labelled the allegations unsubstantiated. The report has immediate market implications: META shares traded down about 1% intraday and the story raises regulatory and reputational risk that could pressure the stock and invite further inquiries or oversight. Investors may reprice privacy and compliance risk into Meta’s valuation amid an already scrutinized regulatory backdrop.