Iran TV Calls For WhatsApp Deletion Amid Fears Of Nationwide Ban
Iranian state television has urged citizens to delete WhatsApp, accusing the messaging platform of sharing user data with Israel—a claim WhatsApp has firmly denied.
The call, made on Tuesday by Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB, alleged that WhatsApp collects users’ personal information, including their last known locations and communications, and passes them to Israel.
This warning comes as tensions escalate between the two countries, with Israel confirming strikes on a nuclear site near Tehran on Wednesday, marking the sixth consecutive day of crossfire.
In a response to the allegations, a WhatsApp spokesperson told AFP, “We’re concerned these false reports will be used as an excuse to block our services at a time when people need them most. All messages on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted, and only the sender and recipient can read them.”
The spokesperson added, “We do not track users’ precise locations or keep logs of their communications. We don’t provide bulk data to any government.”
Since last Friday, Israel has launched a large-scale offensive targeting Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure, as well as residential areas.
Iran, in retaliation, announced on Wednesday that it had fired hypersonic missiles at Israel and placed temporary restrictions on internet access for the duration of the conflict.
Several websites and mobile applications have since become difficult or impossible to access in the country.
On Tuesday, Iranian authorities advised citizens to minimise internet usage and take online precautions. Civil servants and their security personnel have been barred from using internet-connected devices—including smartphones, smartwatches, and laptops—during the Israeli airstrikes.
This is not the first time Iran has cracked down on digital platforms. In the wake of widespread protests following the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini in police custody, the government blocked access to WhatsApp and other social media apps.
As the conflict deepens, the future of WhatsApp’s accessibility in Iran remains uncertain.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
