WhatsApp has disclosed that it is “concerned” that its services could be blocked in Iran after a state broadcaster urged the public to delete the messaging app, claiming it was sharing data with arch-rival Israel.
State television IRIB made a call to Iranians on Tuesday to delete WhatsApp from their phones, alleging that the app collects users’ personal data, including “last known locations and communications”, and shares them with Israel.
On Wednesday, Israel and Iran exchanged fire for the sixth consecutive day, with Israel revealing it had struck a nuclear site near Tehran.
A WhatsApp spokesperson dismissed the reports by IRIB, saying all messages sent on the app are “end-to-end encrypted”, with only the sender and recipient able to access them.
“We’re concerned these false reports will be used as an excuse to block our services at a time when people need them most,” the spokesperson told AFP.
“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,” they said.
WhatsApp also does not “provide bulk information to any government”, they added.
Israel began a huge bombing assault on Iran on Friday, targeting nuclear and military sites as well as residential areas.
Iran has retaliated by deploying missiles and drones, and it announced early Wednesday that it has fired hypersonic missiles at Israel.
Tehran stated on Friday that it will temporarily ban internet access for the duration of the crisis. Many websites and apps have since been partially inaccessible.
On Tuesday, the authorities urged the public to “minimise their use of internet-connected equipment and to take appropriate precautions” when online.
Civil servants and their security teams have been banned from using any connected devices, including smartphones, watches, and laptops, during the Israeli air offensive.
