**Tehran’s state broadcaster calls for citizens to delete the messaging app, claiming it’s sending user data to Israel, while WhatsApp firmly denies the accusations.**
**Iranian State Media Urges Removal of WhatsApp Amid Accusations of Spying for Israel**
**Iranian State Media Urges Removal of WhatsApp Amid Accusations of Spying for Israel**
**Allegations of data misuse prompt concerns over censorship and misinformation**
Iran's state television made a surprising plea on Tuesday, urging citizens to uninstall WhatsApp, alleging that the popular messaging application was relaying user data to Israel amidst escalating military tensions between the two nations. This assertion, however, was made without providing any supporting evidence.
The Iranian state broadcaster claimed that WhatsApp and Instagram were gathering information on users and passing their last known locations to the "Zionist enemy," referring to Israel. In response, WhatsApp rebuffed these allegations, emphasizing that such reports are unfounded and expressing concern that the misinformation could lead to an unjustified ban on their services during a critical time for communication.
In a statement, WhatsApp stressed that all messages are encrypted end-to-end, meaning that only the sender and recipient can access the content, and clarified that they do not track users' exact locations or share bulk data with governments.
In light of ongoing military conflicts, internet access in Iran has faced significant disruptions, a move seen as an effort by the government to control the narrative and mitigate information flow concerning military attacks, probably fearing potential Israeli cyber retaliation.
Experts and citizens alike report that these disruptions have been profound, raising alarms about freedom of communication in Iran. As one of the world’s leading messaging platforms owned by Meta, WhatsApp plays a crucial role for many in maintaining connections, making the Iranian government's claims a contentious issue during these turbulent times.
The Iranian state broadcaster claimed that WhatsApp and Instagram were gathering information on users and passing their last known locations to the "Zionist enemy," referring to Israel. In response, WhatsApp rebuffed these allegations, emphasizing that such reports are unfounded and expressing concern that the misinformation could lead to an unjustified ban on their services during a critical time for communication.
In a statement, WhatsApp stressed that all messages are encrypted end-to-end, meaning that only the sender and recipient can access the content, and clarified that they do not track users' exact locations or share bulk data with governments.
In light of ongoing military conflicts, internet access in Iran has faced significant disruptions, a move seen as an effort by the government to control the narrative and mitigate information flow concerning military attacks, probably fearing potential Israeli cyber retaliation.
Experts and citizens alike report that these disruptions have been profound, raising alarms about freedom of communication in Iran. As one of the world’s leading messaging platforms owned by Meta, WhatsApp plays a crucial role for many in maintaining connections, making the Iranian government's claims a contentious issue during these turbulent times.
