Source Credit: Gulf News
Unexpectedly, Saudi Arabian WhatsApp users who had been banned for six years are now free to make voice and video conversations once more. Since Saudi authorities had not previously made an official notice about the move, the abrupt reactivation of these functions has prompted conversations about the Kingdom's digital communication landscape.
Voice calls and video calls were first offered by WhatsApp in 2015 and 2016, respectively. However, citing regulatory restrictions and worries about cybersecurity and monitoring, Saudi authorities barred these services in 2019. Users were forced to use other platforms or make more costly traditional phone calls as a result of this ban.
The recent relaxation of WhatsApp call limitations raises the possibility of a change in Saudi Arabia's stance on online communication.
Expert Views on the Move
This action intends to improve telecommunications infrastructure and is in line with Saudi Arabia's ongoing attempts to undergo a digital transition, according to technology analyst Abdullah Al-Subaei. This choice might have been impacted by the Kingdom's recent advancements in the digital economy, cybersecurity regulations, and internet services.
Uncertainty Regarding WhatsApp Calls' Future
Although users have responded favorably, it is still unclear if this change is temporary or permanent because no formal announcement has been released. There are worries that WhatsApp calls may be restricted once more in the future because previous attempts to permit VoIP services in Saudi Arabia have been reversed. People on social media have been talking about the change a lot, and many of them have shared their call-making experiences. Before deciding whether to make the service available in the long run, some people think Saudi Arabia might be testing it.
