WhatsApp expressed it was “concerned” that its services would be blocked in Iran after a state broadcaster called on the public to delete the messaging service, stating that it was passing data to arch-rival Israel.
State television IRIB called on Iranians on June 17 to uninstall WhatsApp from their phones, claiming that the app gathered users’ personal information and “last known locations and communications”, and transmitted them to Israel.
On June 18, Israeli and Iranian forces clashed for the sixth consecutive day, with Israel claiming to have attacked a nuclear facility close to Tehran.
A representative for WhatsApp brushed aside the IRIB allegations, claiming all messages shared on the app were “end-to-end encrypted”, meaning that only the receiver and sender had access to them.
“They concern us that these unfounded reports will be used as a pretext to block our services when people need them most,” said the spokesman to AFP.
“We don’t record your exact location, we don’t store who everyone is messaging, and we don’t record people’s personal messages to each other.”
Israel on June 13 unleashed a broad bombing campaign against Iran that has targeted nuclear and military sites, as well as civilian areas.
Iran replied by firing missiles and drones, and early June 18 reporting it had launched hypersonic missiles at Israel.
Tehran said on June 13 that it was temporarily blocking the internet during the course of the conflict.
Many websites and applications have since been partially unavailable.
The government urged the public on June 17 to “minimise their use of equipment connected to the internet and to take appropriate precautions” on the internet.
For personal safety, government servants and their security personnel have been prohibited from using any interconnected devices, including mobile phones, watches and laptops during the Israeli air campaign.
