Iran asks its people to delete WhatsApp from their devices
a year ago
- #Encryption
- #Iran
- Iranian state television urged the public to delete WhatsApp, alleging it gathers user information for Israel without providing specific evidence.
- WhatsApp responded, denying the claims and stating it does not track precise locations, keep message logs, or provide bulk information to governments.
- The app uses end-to-end encryption, ensuring only senders and recipients can read messages, with intercepted messages appearing as unreadable garble without the key.
- WhatsApp is owned by Meta Platforms, which also owns Facebook and Instagram.
- Iran has a history of blocking social media platforms, with citizens often using VPNs to bypass restrictions. WhatsApp was previously banned in 2022 during protests but was later unblocked.
- WhatsApp was one of Iran’s most popular messaging apps, alongside Instagram and Telegram.