- Russia's communications regulator threatens to completely block WhatsApp
- The move is part of a broader crackdown on online freedom.
- WhatsApp has about 97 million users in Russia.
Russia has tightened restrictions on internet freedom, with the country's communications regulator Roskomnadzor threatening a complete ban on the popular messaging service WhatsApp.
According to the independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta, The agency accused the Meta-owned platform of being used to “organize and conduct terrorist activities” and of failing to comply with Russian law.
This is the latest in a series of moves by the Kremlin to control the flow of information within its borders, a trend that is intensifying following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Although gradual restrictions have already been introduced. against WhatsApp for a few monthsincluding blocking voice calls since August, a complete ban would be a major blow to digital communications in the country. This is in conditions where use best VPN applications are also becoming increasingly limited.
An estimated 97 million WhatsApp users in Russia will be effectively prevented from communicating freely and securely, hampering both personal privacy and business transactions. With Signal already blocked as of 2024, users may be forced to turn to government-controlled alternatives such as the new MAX app, which experts warn has “huge surveillance potential“
WhatsApp has so far resisted the Russian government's demands, promising to “continue to do everything we can to make end-to-end encrypted communications available to people everywhere, including in Russia.” Reuters reports this.. The company has framed the issue as a defense of the “right to secure communications,” a position that puts it in direct conflict with the Kremlin’s increasingly tight control over the digital sphere.
Growing digital censorship in Russia
threat against WhatsApp is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader and systematic effort by the Russian government to suppress dissent and control online space.
This also applies to Russia called Human Rights Watch “undesirable” organizationeffectively banning his work in the country. This designation is part of a broader trend to label any group critical of the government as a threat to state security.
Since September, the Russian government has also forced smartphone manufacturers pre-install your own government-backed messaging appMAX, I express my concerns about surveillance.
The government also introduced a bill this would recently require telecom operators to suspend services at the request of the FSB, further strengthening state control over communication channels.
Follow TechRadar on Google News. And add us as your preferred source to get our expert news, reviews and opinions in your feeds. Be sure to click the “Subscribe” button!
