Sama bans banks from using WhatsApp for customer comms

Directive comes amid spike in scams

Sama headquarters
Sama headquarters, Riyadh
Sama

The Saudi Central Bank (Sama) has banned local banks from using private messaging applications such as WhatsApp to communicate with customers, amid a spike in scams. 

News outlet Asharq Al-Awsat reported on March 3 that Sama had instructed banks to explore alternative communications channels, such as integrating live chat or chatbot services within their mobile apps or websites. Sama cited security risks and said private messaging apps did not have sufficiently robust privacy protections. 

The

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