**Iran's Accusation Against WhatsApp Amid Rising Tensions with Israel**

**In the midst of rising military tensions, Iran alleges that WhatsApp is aiding Israel by collecting user data, prompting the state broadcaster to call for its removal. WhatsApp vehemently denies these accusations.**

Iran's national television network urged citizens on June 18, 2025, to eliminate WhatsApp from their devices, alleging that the app was transmitting user information to Israel, amidst ongoing military confrontations between the two nations. The broadcaster accused WhatsApp and Instagram of tracking individuals and relaying data to what it termed the "Zionist enemy." However, no concrete evidence has been provided to support these claims.

In response, WhatsApp, part of Meta Platforms Inc., refuted these allegations, highlighting that all messages sent through the application are end-to-end encrypted. "We are concerned these false reports will lead to our services being blocked just when they are most needed," the company emphasized, reiterating their commitment to user privacy. They clarified that the service does not monitor users' locations or share information with government entities.

As reported by citizens and experts, internet access throughout Iran has faced significant disruptions. This is believed to be a government strategy to curb the dissemination of information regarding the ongoing military operations and to mitigate the risk of Israeli cyber interventions. Amidst a backdrop of deepening conflict, WhatsApp maintains that it does not engage in the bulk collection of user data and prioritizes providing secure communication channels for its users.

Jenny Gross is a reporter for The Times covering breaking news and other topics. For further updates, stay tuned.