Russia has threatened to block WhatsApp entirely, accusing the Meta-owned platform of failing to meet local data-access requirements, as authorities push millions of users toward domestic, less-encrypted alternatives amid growing concerns over state surveillance.
Russia has signalled that it may impose a full ban on WhatsApp, alleging the messaging service has not complied with national laws requiring access to user data for criminal investigations. The country’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, said the platform could be “completely” blocked unless it meets these obligations. Authorities urged citizens to migrate to Russian-made services instead.
The warning follows restrictions imposed in August, when Russia disabled voice calling on WhatsApp as part of an ongoing clampdown on Western digital platforms. WhatsApp, owned by U.S. tech firm Meta, remains one of the two most widely used messaging apps in Russia, alongside Telegram.
Meta says Russia targeting secure communication
Meta rejected Moscow’s allegations, arguing that the government’s actions were aimed at undermining secure digital communication. The company said WhatsApp was being targeted because it “defies government attempts to violate people’s right to secure communication.”
Russian officials insist that messaging apps must provide data access when sought by law enforcement for fraud investigations or matters labelled as “terrorist” activities. The government has been promoting Max, a domestic messaging app without end-to-end encryption, and has mandated its installation on all new smartphones and tablets sold in the country.
Rights groups warn that such measures could pave the way for broad surveillance and be used to monitor critics of President Vladimir Putin and dissent related to the war in Ukraine.
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