[crtasm]

> If you lose access to your WhatsApp account, the messages you previously received will remain on your phone and will not be available elsewhere.

As I understand it, if you give in to the android app's repeated prompts to enable backing up to your google account then your messages are stored elsewhere, and without encryption.

Could someone confirm if this is still the case?

[paxys]

That is correct. Same for iCloud backup on iPhones.