WhatsApp Warns as Russia Restricts Service

Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has criticised Russian authorities, alleging that restrictions imposed on its service are undermining users’ rights to private communication. According to WhatsApp, the measures aim to limit the personal communications of more than 10 million people in Russia ahead of the holiday season. The report was first published by Reuters.

Russia’s communications watchdog Roskomnadzor has reiterated its warning that WhatsApp could be fully blocked if it fails to operate in compliance with Russian law. Speaking to state media, the regulator claimed the platform is being used for terrorist activities, recruitment, fraud, and other criminal acts, arguing that these concerns justify the phased restrictions currently being imposed.

Following the announcement, thousands of Russian users on Tuesday reported service disruptions and slower performance on WhatsApp. Network monitoring websites also recorded evidence of outages and degraded connectivity.

WhatsApp said such actions run counter to user privacy and freedom of communication, calling on authorities to immediately halt measures that restrict access to the service.

DBTech/BMT/OR