Users in Saudi Arabia have reported that the WhatsApp voice and video calling features, which had been restricted for years, have been unblocked.
There has yet to be official confirmation regarding whether this change is permanent or part of a temporary test.
WhatsApp, one of the most widely used messaging applications globally, introduced voice calling in 2015 and video calling in 2016. However, these features had been blocked in Saudi Arabia due to regulatory policies. Although there have been occasional reports of brief activations, they were generally linked to technical updates rather than shifts in policy.
In March 2024, there was speculation that the ban had been lifted, but the Saudi Communications, Space, and Technology Commission denied the rumors, reaffirming that WhatsApp calls remained inaccessible.
Experts believe that this move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to improve telecommunications and digital infrastructure, potentially benefiting users with enhanced communication capabilities.
