In a major shift for Saudi Arabia’s digital space, WhatsApp users in the Kingdom can now access voice and video call features after a six-year ban. While this change has been widely welcomed by residents, the lack of an official announcement from Saudi authorities has left many questioning its long-term permanence.
The calling features, blocked in Saudi Arabia for regulatory reasons, were unexpectedly reactivated on Saturday, sparking speculation about whether this move is temporary or part of a broader strategy. WhatsApp, which launched voice and video calling in 2015 and 2016 respectively, had previously been restricted in the Kingdom despite its global popularity.
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Although users are currently enjoying these features, the absence of confirmation from Saudi officials has raised doubts about the sustainability of this update. The development is being viewed as a potential step toward enhancing the Kingdom’s telecommunications and digital infrastructure, benefiting both residents and businesses.
Reports about the possible lifting of the restrictions surfaced earlier in 2024, though the Saudi Communications, Space, and Technology Commission dismissed them at the time. Now, with the features suddenly restored, questions remain whether this is a sign of future digital liberalization or merely a temporary adjustment.
