Trends
Sudan restricts WhatsApp voice and video calls nationwide
Sudan has blocked WhatsApp voice and video calls from 25 July 2025, sparking criticism over digital rights and communication access amid war.
Headline
Sudan has blocked WhatsApp voice and video calls from 25 July 2025, sparking criticism over digital rights and communication access amid war.
Context
• Sudan’s TPRA has banned all WhatsApp voice and video calls nationwide from 25 July, citing national security threats. • Activists and experts warn the ban infringes on digital freedoms and disrupts critical communication for Sudanese amid conflict.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
Sudan’s Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority (TPRA) said on 20 July it would block all WhatsApp voice and video calls from 25 July, calling it a “ precautionary measure ” to protect national security and stability. Dabanga Sudan confirmed that text messaging and group chats will stay active under the order. The move drew immediate criticism. “This isn’t about safety. It’s about shutting people up,” one activist told local media on condition of anonymity. Digital rights researcher Ammar Hamouda said the ban “has less to do with safety and more to do with control,” adding that business interests were also at play alongside security arguments. Rights group Access Now called the move “a blow to ordinary Sudanese,” warning it would cut people off at a time when communication lines are already threadbare. Also read: WhatsApp’s new Nearby Share to enable file transfers without internet connection Also read: Meta’s WhatsApp unveils new AI tools for businesses
Key Points
- What happened:Sudan blocks WhatsApp calls
- Why it’s important
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
