On Friday, Russia’s state communications regulator issued a warning that WhatsApp may face a total shutdown within the country if it persists in breaching Russian laws, as reported by local news agencies.
Since August, authorities have begun to impose restrictions on certain calls made through WhatsApp and Telegram, alleging that these foreign-owned platforms have refused to provide information requested by law enforcement in investigations concerning fraud and terrorism.
On Friday, Roskomnadzor reaffirmed its claim that WhatsApp is failing to fulfill its legal responsibilities under Russian law aimed at preventing and addressing criminal activities.
Interfax news agency reported that it stated, “If the messaging service continues to neglect the requirements of Russian legislation, it will be entirely blocked.”
WhatsApp has accused the Moscow government of attempting to prevent millions of Russians from utilizing secure communication services.
In response, Russian authorities are promoting a state-sponsored alternative application known as MAX, which critics argue could be utilized for user surveillance. However, state media have dismissed these allegations as unfounded.
