Customers of Nativ Cellular, which provides kosher phones to the Haredi public, received a notice today (Thursday) stating that the instant messaging app Telegram is being blocked immediately - until a new, secure app is developed. The blocking was justified by "kosher loopholes" discovered in the app.
Nativ provides phones that are blocked from browsing, and users can only use applications approved by the company.
The message sent to customers reads: "As part of Nativ's commitment and responsibility to provide the Torah-observing public with kosher communication solutions without any fear or loophole, Nativ will temporarily block the 'Telegram' application, due to kosher loopholes that were recently discovered in it, until a new, secure application is developed that will meet the high kasher requirements it sets and leads.".
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""As the leading company in the field, we at Nativ are doing everything we can to find a quick and appropriate solution to this matter. Nativ is proud to stand at the forefront of the kashrut revolution and enable its customers to get the most out of existing technology, while ensuring uncompromising adherence to maximum protection from its hazards.".
It should be noted that despite the blocking of the Telegram app, the popular competing app WhatsApp is still active on protected Nativ devices.
The decision to block the Telegram app was apparently made after the Rebbe of Karlin Stolin instructed his followers, according to which he forbade followers from using the app in any way, either individually or in a group - and called on anyone who has this app to disconnect immediately.
