Russia Renews Warning: WhatsApp Faces Nationwide Shutdown Over Legal Non-Compliance
Russia’s state communications regulator Roskomnadzor has once again issued a stern warning to WhatsApp—comply with Russian law or face a complete nationwide shutdown of the app. Local media reported the development on Friday, citing Reuters.
Since August, Russia has restricted certain calls on WhatsApp (owned by Meta Platforms) and Telegram. Authorities allege that foreign-owned platforms are refusing to share information required by law enforcement for fraud and counterterrorism investigations.
Roskomnadzor stated that WhatsApp has failed to meet Russia’s technological requirements for preventing and combating crime. Quoting the agency, Interfax reported: “If the failure to comply with Russian law continues, the messaging service will be fully blocked.”
WhatsApp, on the other hand, has accused Moscow of intentionally pushing millions of Russian citizens away from a secure means of communication.
Russian authorities have already begun promoting “Max,” a state-supported alternative messaging app. Critics argue that the app could be used for user surveillance, though state media has denied these allegations.
DBTech/BMT/OR
