Pakistan set to launch WhatsApp alternate: IT Minister Amin ul Haq.

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan has become the latest country to domestically-develop a messaging app to potentially replace WhatsApp.

California-based WhatsApp said on January 4 it reserved the right to share some data including location and phone number with Facebook and its units such as Instagram and Messenger. This move has led governments around the globe to investigate the implications of data sharing.

Federal Minister for Information Technology Amin ul Haq shared on Friday that a WhatsApp alternate, named Smart Office, is being developed and is currently under the testing phase. If approved, the app will be used by government officials and employees.

Talking to media, he said the app will be released by June 2021. "A similar app is being developed for all citizens to use," he added, stressing that it would offer complete protection of user data and communication record.

He revealed that the ministry has prepared a Personal Data...

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