Despite its extensive global user base, the widely used messaging app WhatsApp is encountering restrictions in certain countries due to regulatory issues.
With over two billion monthly active users, WhatsApp is the leading messaging app worldwide. It operates in more than 180 countries and supports 60 languages, with 100 billion messages sent daily on the platform.
However, WhatsApp is currently facing challenges in some regions due to regulatory shortcomings. Recently, there have been reports that WhatsApp might exit Nigeria due to breaches of regulations set by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The FCCPC has imposed a $220 million fine on WhatsApp for violations related to data privacy, following allegations of mishandling user data.
Techcabal reported that in response to the FCCPC’s penalty, WhatsApp has indicated it might consider “withdrawing certain services” from Nigeria.
8 countries where WhatsApp is either blocked or restricted
With the development, this report presents eight other countries that have either banned Whatsapp operations in their countries or restricted certain features of the app:
| S/N | Country | Whatsapp Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | Banned |
| 2 | North Korea | Banned |
| 3 | Syria | Banned |
| 4 | Iran | Banned |
| 5 | Qatar | Restricted |
| 6 | Saudi Arabia | Restricted |
| 7 | Egypt | Restricted |
| 8 | Uae | Restricted |
For China, North Korea, Syria and Iran, WhatsApp’s operations have been totally blocked in the country as residents don’t have any access to send messages from the app.
