Russia Moves to Block WhatsApp

Russia has made attempts to completely block Meta Platforms' WhatsApp messaging service, as reported on Wednesday. This move aligns with the country's strategy of promoting national platforms and asserting greater control over its digital landscape.

The Russian internet regulator, Roskomnadzor, has reportedly removed WhatsApp from its official online directory. This action affects the application, which boasts approximately 100 million users in Russia.

WhatsApp has voiced concerns that this restriction is an effort to steer users towards a state-owned surveillance app. The company has affirmed its commitment to ensuring users remain connected.

Earlier in the previous year, Russia had already begun to limit some calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, citing their refusal to share data with law enforcement agencies for fraud and terrorism investigations.