WhatsApp security fears persist in Kosovo; MPs demand an immediate response

Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) MP Ermal Sadiku has raised concerns over reports of security problems with the WhatsApp app, calling on Kosovo’s institutions to treat the matter with urgency.

Sadiku, who also runs an IT company, has called on the responsible institutions to contact international partners and the relevant companies to verify the situation and take possible measures.

“Once again: the WhatsApp problem seems bigger than even I thought. I am asking the Government, Albin Kurti, Lulëzon Jagxhiu and the responsible institutions: treat this matter with urgency,” Sadiku declared.

He asked that temporary measures also be considered, including limiting suspicious SMS messages, if such a step is assessed as technically necessary.

“There are reports of attacks and attempts to take over accounts, personal data, messages and bank verification codes,” he said.

Sadiku stressed that the aim is not to create panic, but called for technical verification and immediate information for citizens on how to protect themselves.

“I don’t want to create panic, but this must not be neglected. There needs to be an institutional response, technical verification of what is happening and immediate notification of citizens on how to protect themselves,” he said.

Meanwhile, Vetëvendosje MP Mefail Bajqinovci has also raised concerns about his WhatsApp account. “WhatsApp has shut down on me — does anyone know what’s happening, any info?” he wrote.

The concern was first raised on social media by Darsej Rizaj, co-founder of “Digital School” and “StarLabs”. Rizaj reported problems related to WhatsApp accounts, later saying that a large number of businesses have reported similar problems.

Citizens have meanwhile been urged not to share the verification codes they receive via SMS with anyone else and to avoid opening suspicious links until the situation is technically clarified, as Telegrafi reports.