Turkish authorities have banned government officials from using messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram, insisting that they should use domestic platforms, Milliyet newspaper reported.

The Turkish President issued a decree on security measures in government institutions that prohibits government officials from using mobile applications of foreign origin, citing security concerns.

Turkey launched its own domestic messaging app to compete with Facebook's WhatsApp in 2018. PTT Messenger has been introduced to government agencies and some private companies, but it is unpopular for being publicly available.