As the 2022 World Cup gets closer, several unconfirmed online reports have alleged that the Qatari government is forcing all foreign visitors to download two apps.
The apps allegedly allow authorities to spy on people's phones and access their data.
Reports circulating allege that Qatar has been urging foreign visitors to install Ehteraz before visiting the country.
According to the claim, the app will grant full access to the fans' phones to the Qatari authorities.
Qatar is also accused of accessing personal devices and erasing or modifying data.
Moreover, reports allege that the government will also be able to read personal text messages and track their owners via Bluetooth, WIFI, or GPS, if they download the app.
Qatar’s Spyware Accusation Origanted From NRK
Misbar found that the Norwegian Broadcasting Cooperation was the first source of the claim.
The article from NRK was based on information from their head of security, Øyvind Vasaasen.
According to NRK, Vasaasen's comments on the apps are based on an extensive investigation.
Other websites that disseminated the claim described NRK's head of security as an expert.
Misbar conducted a thorough investigation into Øyvind Vasaasen’s background and found that he has no experience in cyber security.
Vasaasen has a background in journalism, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Did Qatar Mandate World Cup Visitors to Install Apps on Their Phones?
Bruce Schneier, an internationally renowned security technologist, also claimed that all World Cup visitors to Qatar must install “spyware” on their phones.
The NRK article and other sites that shared the claim mentioned Schneier.
However, reports that World Cup visitors to Qatar will be forced to download Ehteraz is misleading.
In a cabinet meeting held on October 26, 2022, the Council of Ministers and Minister of Interior Qatar decided to require downloading the Ehteraz app and wearing masks in health facilities only.
Starting from November 1, 2022, visitors to Qatar no longer need to pre-register on the Ehteraz health application.
(Ministry of Health - Qatar)
Qatar's Ministry of Public Health only requires individuals entering public and private healthcare facilities to present their Ehteraz application health status.
(Ministry of Health - Qatar)
Furthermore, fans visiting Qatar will no longer be required to present a negative PCR or vaccination certification.
What is Ehteraz?
Ehteraz is the State of Qatar's official contact tracing application, and it is owned, operated, and approved by the Ministry of Public Health.
It protects Qatari citizens, residents, and visitors to help prevent and control COVID-19.
FAN IDs Predate the 2022 Qatar World Cup
Contrary to viral claims, Qatar was not the first hosting country to enforce the use of the FAN ID.
The FAN ID was introduced by Russia in the 2018 World Cup.
Hayya cards are FAN IDs designed specifically for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
The 2018 World Cup marked the first time the FAN ID was used, according to reports from July 2018.
FAN IDs were also required for all spectators attending the UEFA EURO 2020 matches in Saint Petersburg in 2021.
The World Cup Guide, a guide for World Cup attendees published by fans for fans, also highlighted the significance of FAN IDs during World Cups.
However, this year, Hayya FAN ID holders will not need a visa to enter Qatar.
They are also allowed to stay in Qatar until January 23, 2023.
In addition to many other advantages, Hayya FAN ID holders have free access to transportation and communications services.
Disinformation Campaigns Against Qatar
Several false allegations have been circulated since Qatar was chosen to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Before the tournament even started, Misbar refuted a number of false and misleading claims about Qatar.
Misbar's Sources
