The app is restricted in countries like Iran, North Korea, Syria, and China, while some countries like Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates limit certain features.

Despite these bans, WhatsApp can determine the true location of its users based on their registered phone numbers.

WhatsApp's CEO, Mr. Cathcart, discussed the app's usage in countries where it is blocked, such as China, despite the restrictions.

China ordered Apple to block Chinese iPhone users from downloading WhatsApp from the AppStore.

Cathcart considered this an "unfortunate" situation, but noted that Android users could still download the app without going through official shops.

Overall, there are still tens of millions of people connecting to WhatsApp in countries where it is blocked.

Mr. Cathcart, the CEO of Telegram, discussed the challenges his messaging app faces in China due to increasing restrictions on Western technology platforms.

The Chinese government has banned Telegram and demanded the removal of the microblogging app Threads.

In response, Mr. Cathcart mentioned the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) and WhatsApp's proxy service as methods to keep Telegram accessible.

He has previously believed in the importance of exporting Western technology platforms to promote liberal democracy values.

However, he acknowledges that this power is dwindling, along with the ideals of a free and open internet.