Switzerland’s army has banned the use of WhatsApp whilst on duty, a spokesman confirmed Thursday, in favour of a Swiss messaging service deemed more secure in terms of data protection.
Summary
- The ban also applies to using other messaging apps like Signal and Telegram on soldiers’ private phones during service operations.
- READ MORE: Swiss army launches fitness app for future recruitsThe recommendation applies “to everyone”, including conscripts doing their military service and those returning for refresher courses, army spokesman Daniel Reist told AFP.
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- The Swiss army will cover the four Swiss francs ($4.35, 3.85 euros) cost of downloading Threema, which is already used by other public bodies in Switzerland.
- READ MORE: Women in Swiss military can finally wear women’s underwear