that's not why i want to export the data though in my case - i want to export it as a backup that doesn't depend on the continued existence of whatsapp. If e.g

that's not why i want to export the data though in my case - i want to export it as a backup that doesn't depend on the continued existence of whatsapp. If e.g: MSN messenger had the same strategy, you would one day find yourself without the ability to backup your messages. not everybody values past conversations the same way - but i have a few that have emotional value to me and don't want to lose them if e.g: my phone gets stolen or whatsapp loses popularity and shuts down one day. edit to add: the automatic backups IIRC are unencrypted. I don't appreciate google having that. Why can't i choose my own backup target if the functionality exists?