Pakistan’s terror outfits quit WhatsApp over privacy concerns

An intelligence agency input says that terrorists have adopted a new tactic as controversy over the privacy of apps like Facebook-owned WhatsApp increases. Pakistan’s terror organisations and handlers are now using new apps to recruit and incite youth in Kashmir and prevent their conspiracies from being leaked. One of the prime ones is an application […]

by Rakesh Kumar Singh - January 25, 2021, 8:54 am

An intelligence agency input says that terrorists have adopted a new tactic as controversy over the privacy of apps like Facebook-owned WhatsApp increases.

Pakistan’s terror organisations and handlers are now using new apps to recruit and incite youth in Kashmir and prevent their conspiracies from being leaked. One of the prime ones is an application developed by a Turkish company.

According to intelligence agencies, evidence collected from the terrorists killed in recent encounters and information extracted from surrendered terrorists indicate that terrorists are using three new apps to spread terror in the Kashmir valley. Due to security reasons, the agency did not disclose the name of the apps.

Among the three apps, one has been made by an American company and another has been made in Europe. Currently, the Turkish app is in greater use by these organizations. Pakistani terrorists are using it to inspire the youth in Kashmir and recruit them in their nefarious schemes.

The terror groups have reduced the use of WhatsApp since it became infamous for leaking information. Sources say the new apps that the organisations are using have end-to-end encryption, thus reducing chances of third-party interference. The apps use an RSA-2048 encryption algorithm, considered the most secure encrypted platform. The new apps do not require any phone number or email.

These apps can also be used with slow internet or 2G connectivity. In August 2019, the Central government had banned the Internet in Jammu and Kashmir after Article 370 was abolished. 2G service was re-launched last year.