Charles Esther
On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Iranian authorities urged all citizens to remove WhatsApp from their smartphones.
This decision comes amid escalating tensions with Israel and follows accusations that the app could be leaking sensitive user data.
State-run television alleged—without presenting evidence—that WhatsApp was transmitting strategic information to Israel.
The warning marks a new phase in Iran’s digital crackdown, as the nation faces increasing external conflict and internal unrest.
Meta Responds to Allegations and Defends WhatsApp
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has firmly denied the accusations made by Iranian authorities.
In a statement shared by the Associated Press, Meta said it was “concerned these false reports will be an excuse for our services to be blocked.”
The company emphasized that its goal is to keep people connected, especially during critical situations.
Meta also reiterated its commitment to user privacy and denied collaborating with any government to share user data.
WhatsApp Access Restored in December 2024 After Two-Year Ban
The recent warning is especially alarming because Iran only restored access to WhatsApp in December 2024.
This came after a two-year ban triggered by mass protests over the death of Mahsa Jhina Amini while in the custody of Iran’s morality police.
The ban had severely restricted digital communication during a period of national crisis.
Its lifting gave many Iranians hope for more freedom of expression and access to uncensored information.
Now, those freedoms are once again under threat.
Internet Access Severely Restricted Following Israeli Strikes
Internet access in Iran has deteriorated rapidly since Friday, June 13, when Israel began launching airstrikes in the region.
By Wednesday, June 18, NetBlocks, a global internet observatory, reported a near-total internet blackout across the entire country.
The blackout has left millions unable to access online platforms, social media, or messaging apps like WhatsApp.
Many citizens have turned to VPN services in a desperate attempt to bypass censorship and stay connected.
VPN Demand Surges but Usage Becomes Unstable
Since the beginning of the blackout, VPN usage in Iran has skyrocketed.
According to Proton VPN, the country saw a 700% increase in demand for VPNs by Sunday, June 15.
However, many users have found their VPN connections unreliable or completely blocked.
Proton VPN confirmed this, noting an ongoing crackdown on VPN services that severely limits their effectiveness.
As of Wednesday afternoon, major DNS provider CloudFlare reported a 90% drop in internet connectivity starting at 4 p.m. local time.
Iranian Government Justifies Blackout as Cybersecurity Measure
Iran’s government claims the blackout is a temporary defense mechanism.
Fatemeh Mohajerani, a government spokesperson, stated that restrictions were “temporary, targeted, and controlled” to prevent cyberattacks.
However, critics argue that these actions are suppressing free speech and access to critical information during a time of military crisis.
The blackout has hindered both local and global efforts to monitor the ongoing conflict and its humanitarian consequences.
Experts Warn of Normalized Digital Oppression in Iran
David Peterson, General Manager of Proton VPN, described the blackout as a dangerous normalization of digital censorship.
He emphasized that blackouts and VPN bans are now routine tools used by the regime to control information.
Peterson added that while certain VPNs can resist targeted censorship, they become ineffective during complete internet shutdowns.
This leaves Iranian citizens virtually cut off from the world during moments of extreme political tension.
Global Concern Over Digital Repression and Freedom of Expression
Human rights advocates and tech experts are voicing concern about Iran’s aggressive digital repression.
By blocking access to platforms like WhatsApp and throttling VPNs, the government effectively silences dissent and isolates its people.
The timing, coinciding with military action, only heightens concerns about transparency and public safety.
Calls for international pressure on Iran to restore internet access are growing louder.
The situation continues to evolve, and many fear that future conflicts may lead to even deeper digital isolation.
Conclusion: Digital Freedom in Iran Faces Serious Threats
Iran’s call for citizens to delete WhatsApp, combined with sweeping internet restrictions, paints a grim picture of the country’s digital future.
Meta’s reassurances are unlikely to change the regime’s stance, especially amid escalating conflict with Israel.
As VPNs become less effective and internet access remains limited, Iranians face unprecedented isolation.
For now, citizens are left to navigate a tightly controlled digital landscape where even basic communication is a challenge.
The world watches as Iran’s online freedoms continue to shrink under the weight of war and authoritarian control.
