Meta Alarmed as Iran Urges Citizens to Ditch WhatsApp: What You Need to Know

WhatsApp has expressed concern about its availability in Iran following calls from state media urging users to delete the app. Iranian officials have accused WhatsApp, along with other messaging platforms, of being tools for foreign governments to target citizens.

In a statement, WhatsApp reassured users that their messages are safe. The app uses end-to-end encryption, meaning only the sender and recipient can see the messages. They emphasized that they do not track personal data or provide user information to governments.

The situation comes amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel, particularly after recent airstrikes by Israel targeting Iranian military sites. Following these strikes, both countries have exchanged missile attacks, resulting in numerous casualties.

According to the internet monitoring group NetBlocks, internet usage in Iran dropped by 75% on Tuesday, likely limiting access to important information during these critical times.

Historically, during moments of unrest, Iran has restricted access to social media. In 2022, widespread protests erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died in police custody. The Iranian government then restricted access to platforms like Instagram to suppress information sharing among protesters.

Although WhatsApp is encrypted, it’s not foolproof. Recently, the Israeli NSO Group was ordered to pay $167 million for hacking into thousands of accounts using invasive spyware called Pegasus, which can control devices and access personal information.

In today’s world, the battle for digital privacy is more crucial than ever. As conflicts escalate, the ability to communicate freely is threatened, raising significant concerns about freedom of speech and access to information.

For more information on up-to-date internet restrictions, you can check NetBlocks’ reports here.

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Iran, Israel, Meta, WhatsApp