Iranian state-linked media outlets have launched a campaign urging citizens to delete WhatsApp, claiming the messaging app is collecting sensitive user data and sharing it with hostile foreign entities (probably true)
According to reports aired by government-affiliated broadcasters, WhatsApp allegedly gathers users’ last known locations, contact lists, and other metadata, which Iranian authorities describe as being “shared with the enemy.” The claims have not been backed by public evidence but have sparked renewed concern over digital surveillance and user privacy in the country.
Citizens were strongly encouraged to uninstall the application immediately. The reports did not name a specific foreign government but referred to adversaries of the Islamic Republic, implying Western intelligence agencies.
- While WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption to protect the content of messages, it does collect metadata such as IP addresses, timestamps, and contact information. These practices, which are outlined in its privacy policy, have long raised concerns among privacy advocates, especially in regions with heightened surveillance fears
The latest warnings also come amid the backdrop of escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, and accusations by Tehran that the United States is complicit in Israeli attacks. Analysts say the move may be part of a broader effort by Iranian officials to limit foreign digital influence during a volatile period.
https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/886695
