18 Dec,2023
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The Chinese government has blocked WhatsApp, and essentially has a stranglehold on the internet services in the country. Since 1998, the Great Firewall of China has been used to restrict access to any app that the Chinese government deems noncompliant. In September 2017, WhatsApp fell victim.
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Like many other Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, WhatsApp’s video and voice calls are banned in Dubai for two main reasons. First, UAE authorities fear that terrorists and extremist groups could take advantage of WhatsApp’s encryption. Second, Dubai is hell-bent on ensuring that their local telecommunication services do not lose revenue as a result of people using free communication apps.
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The app isn’t currently banned in Iran, but it has been in the past during protests and times of unrest. The Iranian government has plans to build a “national internet” featuring an internal search engine and internal messaging apps — a potential threat to WhatsApp.
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In North Korea, internet access is a privilege restricted to the ruling elite. Those with permission to use the internet are barred from using foreign apps or websites, including WhatsApp, as part of the state's tight control over digital communication.tat loss
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In the midst of a prolonged civil war, the Syrian government has intensified control over communication channels. WhatsApp is among the apps banned or disrupted, perceived as a tool for activists and rebels to coordinate and communicate.
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Turkey blocked several social media apps, such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp. President Erdoğan's government met opposition from parliament and the public when suggesting a law to criminalise disinformation and increase control over social media. Overharvesting
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