Russia has escalated its standoff with WhatsApp, announcing on Friday that it is considering a complete ban on the globally popular messaging platform, accusing it of failing to comply with national laws intended to curb crime and support law enforcement investigations.
The statement from Roskomnadzor, Russia’s communications watchdog, warned that WhatsApp could face full blocking unless it meets all legal requirements. “If the messenger fails to comply with Russian legislation, it will be completely blocked,” the agency said, urging citizens to migrate to state-approved domestic messaging services.
The move marks the latest step in a broad crackdown on Western-owned digital platforms. Russia blocked voice calls on WhatsApp in August, part of what critics describe as an effort to tighten government control over online communication and restrict independent information flows.
Meta, the U.S. tech company that owns WhatsApp, said Russia’s threat is politically motivated. The company accused Moscow of targeting the app because it “defies government attempts to violate people’s right to secure communication.”
WhatsApp remains one of Russia’s most widely used platforms, alongside Telegram. Authorities want both services to grant law enforcement access to user data upon request, including for fraud cases and investigations into what Moscow labels “terrorist” activities.
At the same time, the government has been heavily promoting Max, a domestic messaging app without end-to-end encryption. Max has been mandated for pre-installation on all new smartphones and tablets, a move that rights groups fear will enable extensive state surveillance and facilitate monitoring of critics of President Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine.
Civil liberties advocates warn that a full WhatsApp ban would mark a significant escalation in Russia’s digital restrictions, limiting private communication for millions and further isolating the country’s online ecosystem.
Source: AFP
Written By Rodney Mbua
