Iran Claims WhatsApp Spying for Israel, Service Disruptions Intensify

Iran's call for a WhatsApp boycott comes as the country experiences notable internet outages, raising concerns about censorship and cyber threats.

Iran's state broadcaster issued a warning on Tuesday, urging citizens to uninstall WhatsApp, claiming the messaging app was transferring user data to Israel. This allegation coincides with an escalation in military activity between the two nations. The broadcaster described WhatsApp and Instagram as tools that gather personal information and deliver users' last known locations and communication details to what it terms the "Zionist enemy."

In response, WhatsApp refuted these claims, noting that its messaging services are protected by end-to-end encryption and asserting that the company does not track users’ locations or share information with any governments. The company expressed concern that such baseless accusations could potentially lead to the blocking of its services during a critical time when communication is especially vital.

Alongside the outrage over WhatsApp, Iranian officials have confirmed widespread internet disruptions, a situation that experts and citizens attribute to government-imposed restrictions aimed at curbing information about military strikes and potential Israeli cyberattacks. The Iranian regime appears to be tightening its grip on information flow amid fears of losing control over the narrative surrounding escalating military hostilities.

As tensions rise between Israel and Iran, the calls for the removal of WhatsApp highlight the broader issues of digital communication security and governmental control over information access.