In which countries is WhatsApp prohibited - briefly?
WhatsApp is currently banned in China and the United Arab Emirates due to government concerns over privacy and security.
In which countries is WhatsApp prohibited - in detail?
WhatsApp, a popular messaging platform owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), is banned in several countries around the world due to various reasons including national security concerns, censorship, and competition with local messaging services. Here's a detailed look at where WhatsApp is prohibited:
China: The Chinese government has maintained a strict control over internet access and communication platforms within its borders. WhatsApp, along with other popular Western social media apps like Facebook and Twitter, is blocked in China due to the government's concern about potential threats to national security and stability. The Great Firewall of China prevents users from accessing these services without using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Iran: In Iran, WhatsApp has been periodically blocked by the authorities, particularly during times of social unrest or political protests. The government justifies these blocks as necessary measures to maintain public order and prevent the spread of misinformation. However, the bans are often temporary and can be lifted after the situation calms down.
North Korea: North Korea operates under one of the most restrictive internet policies in the world. WhatsApp is banned along with other foreign communication platforms. The government maintains tight control over information flow to prevent any challenges to its authoritarian rule. Only a select few have access to the global internet, while the majority of citizens are restricted to a domestic intranet known as Kwangmyong.
United Arab Emirates (UAE): In 2017, the UAE's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority imposed a ban on WhatsApp calls due to security concerns and the use of the platform for fraudulent activities. However, users in the UAE can still use WhatsApp for messaging and other features. The ban on voice and video calls has been a point of contention among residents and businesses that rely heavily on these communication tools.
Saudi Arabia: Similar to the UAE, Saudi Arabia also imposed a ban on WhatsApp calls in 2017 due to security reasons. The Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) stated that the ban was necessary to protect national security and combat illegal activities facilitated through the platform. However, as with the UAE, users can still use WhatsApp for messaging.
Syria: The Syrian government has blocked access to WhatsApp at various times, particularly during periods of civil unrest. The blocks are often implemented to prevent the dissemination of information that could challenge the regime's control and narrative. However, like in Iran, these bans can be temporary and lifted after the situation stabilizes.
Russia: While not completely banned, WhatsApp has faced significant restrictions and pressure from Russian authorities. In 2018, the Russian government threatened to block WhatsApp if it did not comply with local data storage laws. The company was forced to register as an "organizer of information dissemination" in Russia, which subjects it to additional regulations and potential censorship.
In summary, WhatsApp is prohibited or restricted in several countries due to a range of reasons including national security concerns, censorship, and competition with local services. While some bans are permanent, others are temporary and may vary depending on the political climate and government policies in these regions.