If this pans out to be true, it wouldn't be a shock given that they went along with PRISM. If you want e2e privacy, use Signal. You don't use Skype, Apple Messaging/Facetime (maybe), Telegram, TikTok, Periscope, Facebook Messaging, Google Hangouts, WhatsApp or other new/random/ubiquitous app because you don't know who they're buying giving, selling data or getting hacked by.
PS: Has anyone used FireChat in a crowd scenario without internet? There's no privacy and Bluetooth MAC is identifiable obviously, but it circumvents turning off mobile and internet.