WhatsApp has alerted around 200 users after discovering they were tricked into downloading a fake version of the app that contained spyware, raising fresh concerns about digital surveillance and mobile security.
The company said the affected users were mostly based in Italy and had installed an unofficial iPhone app designed to mimic WhatsApp. According to the company, the fake app was created by Italian spyware firm SIO.
“Our security team proactively identified around 200 users primarily in Italy who we believe may have downloaded this malicious unofficial client,” WhatsApp said. The company added that it has logged affected users out, warned them about the risks, and urged them to delete the fake app and install the official version.
WhatsApp spokesperson Margarita Franklin said the company is focused on protecting users and cannot yet share further details about who was targeted, such as whether they were journalists or members of civil society.
The messaging platform also said it plans to take legal action and will send a formal demand to SIO to stop any malicious activities.
The news was first reported by Italian outlets La Repubblica and ANSA. Previous investigations have linked SIO to spyware known as Spyrtacus, which was found in fake Android apps, including counterfeit versions of WhatsApp and telecom support tools.
Experts note that using fake apps is a common tactic in surveillance operations. In Italy, authorities have previously worked with telecom providers to send phishing links to targets on behalf of law enforcement.
SIO develops its spyware through a subsidiary called ASIGINT. Neither Apple nor SIO has commented on the latest findings.
This incident follows a similar case last year when WhatsApp notified around 90 users that they had been targeted with spyware from Paragon Solutions, a U.S.-Israeli surveillance firm. That case involved journalists and activists and led to a major controversy, with Paragon later cutting ties with Italian government clients
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