WhatsApp needs little introduction. The messaging app is a go-to choice for billions of users around the world. Online reports suggest that WhatsApp—which is owned by Meta Platforms, also the company behind Facebook and Instagram—has about 2.7 billion active users worldwide. Reports also suggest that more than 100 billion messages are sent on WhatsApp daily. Over 100 million voice calls are made on it, also daily. The numbers are indicative of the platform’s immense popularity among those who have access to some form of Internet. India alone accounts for 535.8 million monthly active users which makes it WhatsApp’s biggest markets.
But did you know, despite its scale and potential, WhatsApp is also banned in many countries. China and North Korea are the usual suspects, but WhatsApp faces restrictions or outright bans in several other countries as well due to a variety of political, security, and regulatory reasons. It goes without saying that the bans and restrictions on WhatsApp have significant impact on communication for residents and travellers in these countries. There are VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and other tools to circumvent the restrictions so you can access it but it’s an extra step to use an app whose biggest USP is ease of use.
Here’s a list of countries where WhatsApp is banned or restricted:
- China: China’s “Great Firewall,” blocks all access to many foreign apps and websites for its citizens. WhatsApp is one of them. The ban is part of a broader strategy to control the flow of information as well as to promote homegrown alternatives like WeChat.
- Iran: In Iran, WhatsApp faces intermittent bans and restrictions. The Iranian government has periodically blocked the app as part of its efforts to control communication and access to information, especially during periods of political unrest.
- United Arab Emirates (UAE): WhatsApp voice and video calling features are blocked in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE government imposes these restrictions to support local telecommunication companies. Text messaging on WhatsApp remains accessible, but the ban on calling features significantly limits the app’s functionality.
- Qatar: Similar to the UAE, Qatar blocks WhatsApp’s voice and video calling features. Text messaging remains functional, but the restrictions on calls are in place to support the country’s telecommunications industry.
- Syria: WhatsApp is banned in Syria due to government efforts to control communication within the country and restrict access to information from outside sources. The ban is part of a broader internet censorship policy.
- North Korea: North Korea perhaps has one of, if not the most restrictive Internet policies in the world. Citizens have extremely limited access to the global Internet, and apps like WhatsApp are banned to prevent the free flow of information and maintain government control over communications.
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