WhatsApp has expressed concern that its platform may be banned in Iran after the country’s state broadcaster called on citizens to delete the messaging app.
The Iranian state television channel, IRIB, made the appeal on Tuesday, accusing WhatsApp of sharing user data with Israel, the country’s longtime adversary.
According to IRIB, WhatsApp allegedly collects personal data such as “last known locations and communications” and shares them with Israeli authorities.
The broadcaster’s warning comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries, which have exchanged fire for six consecutive days. Israel recently claimed to have targeted a nuclear site near Tehran.
Responding to the accusations, a WhatsApp spokesperson strongly refuted the claims and emphasized the platform’s commitment to user privacy.
“We’re concerned these false reports will be used as an excuse to block our services at a time when people need them most,”
“We do not track your precise location, we don’t keep logs of who everyone is messaging, and we do not track the personal messages people are sending one another,”
“WhatsApp also does not provide bulk information to any government,” the spokesperson told AFP.
The conflict between Israel and Iran escalated last Friday when Israeli forces launched a wide-scale bombing campaign targeting Iranian military and nuclear facilities, as well as some residential areas. In retaliation, Iran has fired missiles and drones and announced early Wednesday that it had deployed hypersonic missiles against Israel.
As the conflict intensifies, Iranian authorities have imposed temporary restrictions on internet access. Several online platforms, including WhatsApp, have become partially inaccessible. On Tuesday, officials advised the public to limit their use of internet-connected devices and adopt online safety measures.
In a move to tighten control, Iran has also barred civil servants and their security personnel from using smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, or any connected gadgets during the Israeli air assault.
This is not the first time Iranian authorities have clamped down on digital platforms. During the 2022 protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody, WhatsApp and other apps were blocked across the country.
