Russia said on Friday it was considering a ban on WhatsApp, accusing the popular messaging service of failing to prevent and suppress crime, as authorities push citizens to adopt state-backed digital platforms.
The move follows a partial restriction in August, when Moscow blocked users from making calls on the platform, part of a broader crackdown on Western-owned social media that critics say is aimed at steering Russians toward domestic alternatives.
In a statement, the Russian communications watchdog Roskomnadzor accused WhatsApp of being used to “organise and carry out terrorist acts in the country, recruit perpetrators, and commit fraud and other crimes against our citizens.”
The agency warned: “If the messenger fails to comply with Russian legislation, it will be completely blocked.”
US tech giant Meta, which owns WhatsApp, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
WhatsApp is one of Russia’s two most popular messaging services, alongside Telegram, and Moscow has demanded that both provide access to user data upon request from law enforcement. Authorities say this is necessary for fraud investigations and probes into activities they classify as “terrorist.”
Rights advocates warn the requirements could expand Russia’s surveillance state and be used to target critics of the Kremlin, President Vladimir Putin, or the war in Ukraine.
AFP
