Russia has 'attempted to fully block' WhatsApp as part of a growing crackdown on messaging applications, according to the company. The initiative appears aimed at pushing the country's over 100 million WhatsApp users towards a government-approved surveillance app. Meta's WhatsApp expressed concerns about the implications for privacy and security, stating that this isolation from secure communication represents a backward step for Russian citizens.
As part of its efforts, Russian regulators have restricted access to Telegram, citing security issues. The Kremlin's communications authority, Roskomnadzor, has warned WhatsApp to comply with local legislation, emphasizing the Russian government's desire for oversight over digital communications.
Reports indicate that the ban could lead to a permanent shutdown of WhatsApp in 2026, following a pattern where Meta has been classified as an extremist organization by Russian authorities. The app, designed to limit users' access to private messaging services, is part of a broader push for a state-created alternative, named Max, which combines messaging with government services but lacks encryption.
Russian officials argue that both WhatsApp and Telegram have not adhered to laws requiring them to store user data locally, which has prompted these drastic measures. Critics, including Telegram's CEO Pavel Durov, claim that such restrictions are attempts by the government to enforce control over citizens through surveillance. This move not only adds to the Kremlin's digital censorship strategies but also raises serious concerns regarding privacy and freedom of expression in Russia.
As part of its efforts, Russian regulators have restricted access to Telegram, citing security issues. The Kremlin's communications authority, Roskomnadzor, has warned WhatsApp to comply with local legislation, emphasizing the Russian government's desire for oversight over digital communications.
Reports indicate that the ban could lead to a permanent shutdown of WhatsApp in 2026, following a pattern where Meta has been classified as an extremist organization by Russian authorities. The app, designed to limit users' access to private messaging services, is part of a broader push for a state-created alternative, named Max, which combines messaging with government services but lacks encryption.
Russian officials argue that both WhatsApp and Telegram have not adhered to laws requiring them to store user data locally, which has prompted these drastic measures. Critics, including Telegram's CEO Pavel Durov, claim that such restrictions are attempts by the government to enforce control over citizens through surveillance. This move not only adds to the Kremlin's digital censorship strategies but also raises serious concerns regarding privacy and freedom of expression in Russia.
