WhatsApp has expressed concern over the potential blocking of its services in Iran following calls by a state broadcaster for people to delete the messaging app amid accusations that it shares data with Israel.
Iran’s state television network IRIB urged citizens on Tuesday to remove WhatsApp from their devices, claiming the app collects users’ data, including “last known locations and communications,” and passes this information to Israel.
This comes as Israel and Iran entered their sixth consecutive day of hostilities, with Israel reporting an airstrike on a nuclear site near Tehran on Wednesday.
A WhatsApp spokesperson rejected the broadcaster’s claims, emphasising that all messages sent via the app are protected by end-to-end encryption, meaning only the sender and recipient can read them.
“We are concerned these unfounded reports could be used as a pretext to block our services, precisely when people need them most,” the spokesperson told AFP.
They further clarified, “WhatsApp does not track users’ exact locations, does not keep logs of messaging contacts, and does not monitor personal messages. Nor do we provide bulk data to any government.”
Since Israel launched a significant bombing campaign against Iran last Friday, targeting nuclear, military, and residential sites, Iran has responded with missile and drone strikes, including firing hypersonic missiles at Israel early Wednesday.
Tehran announced on Friday it would impose temporary internet restrictions for the duration of the conflict, leading to partial or full inaccessibility of numerous websites and applications.
Authorities have urged the public to limit internet usage and take safety precautions online. Additionally, civil servants and their security teams have been banned from using connected devices such as smartphones, watches, and laptops amid the Israeli air offensive.
Following the widespread protests in 2022 over the death of Mahsa Amini in custody, Iranian officials previously blocked several apps and online platforms, including WhatsApp.
