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467 points bundie | 1 comments | 08 Jul 25 16:11 UTC | HN request time: 0.231s | source

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Matthias247 ◴[08 Jul 25 18:43 UTC] No.44502802[source]▶

How does it work technically?

Does Whatsapp expose these messages via an API? If yes, then it seems like this is not only on Google.

If no: Are they reading data from raw UI widgets? Are they intercepting input controls? Are they intercepting network traffic? That seems unlikely, given its probably end to end encrypted and the decryption happens within the scope of the Whatsapp process.

replies(4): >>44503552 #>>44503593 #>>44504420 #>>44505658 #

1. hnburnsy ◴[09 Jul 25 01:55 UTC] No.44505658[source]▶

>>44502802 #

Maybe it uses Accessibility...

>When granted, an app with accessibility permission can:

  Read screen content (including text and buttons in other apps)
  Detect user interactions (like taps, swipes, or gestures)
  Navigate between apps and the system UI
  Monitor app launches and foreground/background changes
  Access and control other apps indirectly
  Perform gestures or clicks on behalf of the use

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Google can now read your WhatsApp messages