The United Nations spokesperson stated that UN officials have been banned from using WhatsApp for communication purposes as they consider it to be an unsecure channel.
The statement came after UN officials accused Saudi Arabia of hacking the mobile phone of Washington Post owner and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos through WhatsApp.
The UN expert also said they have relevant information that sheds light on the involvement of bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, in the hacking of Bezos's phone.
Whatsapp banned from the UN for security reasons
Based on a forensic report created by FTI Consulting, the United Nations requested an investigation by the United States and other leading authorities. Reports stated that Jeff Bezos' iPhone was hacked through a malicious video file, sent from a WhatsApp account used by the Saudi crown prince.
When asked if UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has established communication with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia or any of the world leaders who use WhatsApp, the officials denied the same.
UN spokesman Farhan Haq stated that all senior UN officials have been asked not to use WhatsApp as it is considered an insecure channel to communicate.
After WhatsappGate, which organizations or companies will be the next to stop using it?
He concluded his statement by saying that based on the guidelines set by the UN, he strongly believes that the secretary-general does not use WhatsApp, and the United Nations had instructed all members to avoid using WhatsApp in June 2019.
On the other hand, WhatsApp mentioned that it takes user security and privacy very seriously compared to other social media apps.
Digital security expert Oded Vanunu said that every app has a flaw or bug that professional hackers can exploit in one way or another. He concluded his statement by saying that WhatsApp's security policies remain a dream for many other social media applications.
If the UN bans WhatsApp, which organizations or companies will be next? Leave a comment below.