Washington(The COW News Digital)US technology giant Meta Platforms has accused Russian authorities of attempting to fully block its messaging service WhatsApp within the country, escalating tensions between Moscow and foreign technology firms.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, WhatsApp claimed that efforts are underway in Russia to restrict access to the app. The development comes amid ongoing friction between Russia and Western tech companies following the outbreak of the Ukraine war in February 2022.
According to reports, disruptions to WhatsApp services in parts of Russia have already forced some users to rely on virtual private networks (VPNs) to maintain access. The company warned that a full block could affect more than 100 million users in Russia who depend on the platform for private and secure communication.
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The dispute between Russia and Meta intensified after Moscow launched its military offensive in Ukraine. Since then, Russian authorities have imposed a series of regulatory and operational restrictions on foreign digital platforms. Russia’s communications watchdog has previously limited certain features of WhatsApp and other messaging services, including voice calling functions.
Russian officials have argued that foreign platforms have failed to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in cases involving fraud and terrorism. Authorities have also claimed that messaging apps are being used for criminal activities, including recruitment and financial scams.
In response to these concerns, Russian regulators announced plans to introduce further phased restrictions on WhatsApp if the company does not comply with domestic legal requirements. Moscow maintains that dialogue remains possible provided that Meta adheres to Russian laws governing data storage, content moderation, and cooperation with security agencies.
The growing standoff has prompted many Russian users to shift to VPN services or alternative messaging platforms. Telegram, which remains widely used in Russia, has also faced periodic regulatory pressure in recent years.
Meta has consistently defended its privacy and encryption policies, stating that WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption is designed to protect user communications. The company has not indicated whether it plans to alter its policies in response to Russian demands.
As tensions persist, the future availability of WhatsApp in Russia remains uncertain, with potential implications for millions of users and the broader digital landscape in the country.
