By Brittany Chain For Daily Mail Australia
Published: 01:29 BST, 18 June 2019 | Updated: 03:09 BST, 18 June 2019
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The 18-year-old was last seen on May 31st
The family of a missing teenage backpacker are adamant encoded messages on his WhatsApp account may hold the key to his whereabouts, but can't access them.
Laurent Hayez travelled to Byron Bay to help search for his son Theo, who went missing in the seaside town in Australia on May 31.
He was last seen leaving the Cheeky Monkey's bar at about 11pm and never returned to the WakeUp! Backpacker hostel, where his passport and belongings were found.
Police and family confirmed Theo was using WhatsApp to communicate on the night he went missing, but the encrypted messaging service may not be able to access his information even with the go-ahead from police.
WhatsApp confirmed it is assisting authorities to the best of the company's ability, but rigid laws mean the company can only help 'in accordance with applicable law'.
Police previously released footage showing Mr Hayez walking from the Cheeky Monkey's nightclub wearing a black hooded jumper, beige pants and black shoes (pictured)
The company said in a statement: 'Our hearts go out to Theo Hayez and his family.'
