The Russian government has issued a stern warning to WhatsApp, announcing that the popular messaging platform could face a complete ban in the country for failing to comply with national regulations. Authorities allege that WhatsApp is not cooperating with crime-control measures and is operating in violation of Russian rules. Officials stated that unless Meta — WhatsApp’s parent company — adheres to the country’s legal requirements, the platform will be blocked nationwide. Citizens have been advised to shift to domestic messaging applications instead of WhatsApp.
Meta Pushes Back; Says Russia Targeting User Privacy
Responding to the development, Meta accused Russia of attempting to undermine the privacy and security of users’ communication. The company alleged that the Russian government is taking punitive action because WhatsApp refuses to compromise on end-to-end encryption protections.
Data Access Dispute at the Core
WhatsApp and Telegram are the most widely used messaging apps in Russia. The government has been demanding access to user data from these platforms to track terrorism and financial fraud. While Telegram has faced similar pressure in the past, WhatsApp has consistently denied data-sharing demands, citing privacy commitments. In August, Russia banned WhatsApp voice calls and urged citizens to switch to “Maks,” a domestic messaging app that does not feature end-to-end encryption.
Criticism Over Digital Rights
Cybersecurity experts believe the latest action is linked to monitoring individuals supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing war. Critics argue the government’s approach infringes on citizens’ digital rights and expands state control over personal communication.