While WhatsApp is banned in China, local alternatives like WeChat dominate. But did you know that some believe the ban began when WhatsApp introduced end-to-end encryption, which the Chinese government couldn't monitor?
1. CHINA
1. CHINA
It's not just WhatsApp calls that are restricted in the UAE, but other VoIP services like Skype are banned too. Yet, the country offers its own app, BOTIM, which is government-approved.
2. UAE
2. UAE
Internet access in North Korea is already highly restricted. However, a surprising fact is that the country has its own intranet called "Kwangmyong", and an operating system named "Red Star OS".
3. North Korea
3. North Korea
In 2018, Bangladesh briefly banned WhatsApp along with other messaging apps to quell violent protests. This was a strategic move to disrupt communication among the protestors.
4. Bangladesh
4. Bangladesh
Since the start of the civil war in 2011, Syria has intermittently banned WhatsApp. The fact that many activists were using it for communication made it a prime target for a clampdown.
5. Syria
5. Syria
Iran's ban on WhatsApp is ironic considering the app was co-founded by Jan Koum, a Ukrainian immigrant of Jewish descent, and the country's stance on Israel.