> WhatsApp iPhone syncs to iCloud unencrypted by default[1].
Not true. You must choose to enable it or not when you set up new phone. On mine it does not back up
If you must "choose to enable" encryption, that implies it's off by default. If so, GP's statement is accurate.
If you must "choose to enable" encryption, that implies it's off by default. If so, GP's statement is accurate.