As the battle between Apple and the FBI continues, The Guardian reports that other tech companies are close to announcing security improvements. Among them is Facebook-owned messaging service WhatsApp, which the publication says is set to expand encryption to voice calls "within weeks." Facebook itself is also reportedly considering how it might improve security in its Messenger service.

This weekend, The New York Times reported that the Justice Department was debating how to deal with problems accessing encrypted WhatsApp data. In one legal dispute, the department reportedly could not conduct a court-ordered wiretap, a problem that could lead to another fight in law enforcement's campaign over access to protected data. WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum has already come out in support of Apple, saying an FBI legal victory could set a "dangerous precedent."

The Guardian report also suggested other companies were looking for ways to expand encryption services, although they seem not to be as far along. Snapchat is reportedly exploring a secure messaging system, as Google continues to look into potential uses for encrypted email technology.

A Facebook spokesperson declined to comment.