WhatsApp, Telegram out: Iranians in Hyderabad uninstall 'Western' apps; shift to homegrown apps amid Israel-Iran conflict
HYDERABAD: Heightened tensions between Iran and Israel have led Iranian nationals in Hyderabad to increasingly rely on their locally developed social media and messaging platforms, citing concerns about privacy and security.
This development follows a report aired on Iranian state television on June 18, which urged citizens to uninstall WhatsApp from their smartphones, alleging the app was collecting user data to share with Israel.
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Among the alternatives gaining popularity are Eitaa, Soroush, Gap, Bale, Rubika, and Vrasty. These applications have replaced Western platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram, all of which have traditionally enjoyed widespread use in West Asia.
Eitaa closely resembles Telegram, offering features such as channels, bots, and group chats. Bale combines fintech and messaging, enabling users to send messages and carry out basic financial transactions within a single app. Rubika is evolving into Iran's comprehensive alternative to YouTube, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Spotify.
Ali Hussaini, an Iranian resident of Banjara Hills, said these homegrown platforms have become more popular as tensions escalate.
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"It has become absolutely essential to use these apps in such tense times as they help us stay connected with our families. We heard that during this wartime, around two billion messages were exchanged daily on Rubika app. I installed them long ago in case of emergencies," said Hussaini.
Other apps, such as the updated version of Soroush, are used for receiving news and official communications. While, iGap is another locally developed alternative to foreign messaging services like WhatsApp and Telegram.
'No risk of misinformation'
Mahdis, another Iranian national living in Banjara Hills, said he relies on Soroush. "I receive news updates directly from national broadcasters, without the risk of misinformation. Apps like WhatsApp and others from abroad can't be trusted during a crisis. These platforms even allow people to interact directly with political figures and leaders," he said, adding that some also offer live streaming and OTT services.
In 2022, the Iranian govt banned WhatsApp and Google Play amid mass protests sparked by the alleged death of a woman in custody of the country's morality police. However, the ban was lifted in December 2024.
Despite the govt's recent appeal to delete WhatsApp, many Iranians continue to access it through proxies and virtual private networks (VPNs).
"I've been using WhatsApp via a VPN for about a year now. I end up buying a new VPN server every two days," said a Hyderabad native currently residing in Tehran, speaking on condition of anonymity.
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