The Optional Off-Device Storage

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To prevent data loss if a device is lost or damaged, WhatsApp offers an optional chat backup feature. This is where your local chat history (including media) can be uploaded to a cloud service.

Google Drive (Android): Android users can back up their WhatsApp data to Google Drive.
iCloud (iPhone): iPhone users can back up their WhatsApp data to iCloud.
Default Encryption (Lack Thereof): Crucially, by default, these cloud backups are NOT protected by WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption. This means that Google or Apple, respectively, could theoretically access the content of these slovenia phone number list backups if legally compelled or if their systems are compromised. This is a significant privacy loophole if users don't enable the enhanced option.
End-to-End Encrypted Backups: WhatsApp introduced the option to enable end-to-end encrypted backups. When enabled, your backup is encrypted with a password or a 64-digit encryption key that only you know. WhatsApp (and Google/Apple) cannot decrypt this backup without your key. This is the recommended privacy setting for cloud backups.

Retention on Cloud: Cloud providers have their own retention policies for these backups. Google Drive, for example, might delete WhatsApp backups that haven't been updated in 5 months.