WhatsApp has expressed concern over the possibility of being blocked in Iran after the country’s state broadcaster, IRIB, urged citizens to remove the app from their phones. IRIB claimed WhatsApp shares users’ personal data with Israel, including communication records and location information.
The broadcaster’s call came on Tuesday, amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, who exchanged attacks for the sixth straight day. Israel claimed to have targeted a nuclear site near Tehran, while Iran responded with drone and missile strikes, including hypersonic weapons.
In response to the allegations, WhatsApp denied any data-sharing practices with any government, stating that all messages are secured with end-to-end encryption, meaning only the sender and recipient can access their content.
A WhatsApp spokesperson told AFP, “We’re worried these unfounded accusations might be used to justify a service ban during a critical time. We don’t track users’ exact locations, keep message logs, or read people’s private messages.”
They also clarified that WhatsApp does not provide mass user data to any government.
The Iranian government has already implemented temporary internet restrictions amid the intensifying conflict. Multiple websites and apps have become partially or entirely inaccessible.
Authorities have also advised the public to reduce internet usage and follow online safety measures. Civil servants and security staff have been barred from using connected devices—such as smartphones, laptops, and smartwatches—while the Israeli airstrikes continue.
This isn’t the first time Iranian authorities have restricted digital communication platforms. In 2022, during widespread protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody, Iran blocked several popular apps, including WhatsApp.
