WhatsApp has criticised Russia’s recent moves to limit its service, saying the restrictions affect over 100 million users. The company claims the measures threaten private communication just before the holiday season.
Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, warned WhatsApp that it must comply with Russian laws or face a complete block. The regulator accused WhatsApp of being used for terrorism, fraud, and other crimes. As a result, access to WhatsApp has been gradually restricted, causing outages and slowdowns across the country.
The dispute is part of a wider tension between Russia and foreign tech platforms, which intensified after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Russia has previously blocked Facebook and Instagram, slowed YouTube, and fined companies for not following local laws on online content and data storage.
A WhatsApp spokesperson said the restrictions could push users to less secure, government-mandated apps, compromising their privacy. “WhatsApp is deeply embedded in communities across Russia—from family chats to workplace and neighbourhood groups. We will continue to fight for our users’ safety,” the spokesperson added.
Russia has also been promoting its state-backed messaging app, MAX, which integrates government services. Critics argue that MAX could be used to monitor users, while Russian authorities insist it is intended to improve convenience and daily life for citizens.
Earlier in August, Russia limited some WhatsApp and Telegram calls, claiming the platforms refused to share information in terrorism and fraud cases. Experts say forcing users onto state-approved apps undermines privacy and end-to-end encryption protections.
As the holiday season approaches, WhatsApp remains a key tool for communication in Russia, and its ongoing restrictions have sparked concern among citizens who rely on the app for safe and private conversations.
This move marks another chapter in Russia’s increasing control over foreign-owned digital platforms, highlighting the growing tension between privacy, security, and state regulations.
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