The German state of North Rhine-Westphalia has taken a new step regarding WhatsApp and Telegram social networks. Citing Turkish media, SIA reports that those who chat in closed groups such as WhatsApp and Telegram in the province can be punished.
Police officers, soldiers and judicial officials are often immune from punishment if they make racist, anti-Semitic or xenophobic comments in chat groups and are exposed. Minister of Justice Benjamin Limbach says that this situation is unacceptable.
The state of North Rhine-Westphalia is demanding that this legal loophole be closed by adding to the existing law. The demands were prompted by the discovery of far-right chat groups by the police in North Rhine-Westphalia, which caused a national scandal. However, according to the latest decision, police officers, soldiers and judicial officers can now be prosecuted for the provocative content they create in closed chat groups. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia approved the proposal. After the amendment has been submitted to the Federal Council, it will be sent to the Bundestag. The Bundestag will make the final decision on the law.
As of October 24, 2023, WhatsApp support has been discontinued on older devices and devices with operating systems. WhatsApp can now only be used on Android OS 5.0 and above. Apple users must also install iOS 12 and above on their devices to continue using WhatsApp. According to the official announcement, JioPhone and JioPhone 2 should also be updated to KaiOS 2.5.0 or above.
