Russia blocks WhatsApp as messaging app crackdown
People visit Red Square in front of St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow.
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Kremlin confirmed blocking on Thursday MetaUsing ‘s WhatsApp messaging service, he said Russians should use a new state-backed platform called Max instead.
“Max is an accessible alternative, an emerging messenger, a national messenger. And it is available on the market for citizens,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday. Ria Novosti news agency reported.
Earlier in the day, WhatsApp issued a statement saying Russia was trying to “completely block” the messaging service in the country in an attempt to direct people to Max, which it described as a “surveillance app”.
“Today, the Russian government attempted to completely block WhatsApp in an attempt to trick people into a state-owned surveillance app,” WhatsApp said. published on social media platform X.
“Trying to isolate more than 100 million users from private and secure communications is a step backwards and can only lead to less security for people in Russia,” he said, adding: “We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected.”
Russia’s latest push into social media platforms and messaging services such as WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram comes amid a broader push to push users towards domestic and more easily controlled and monitored services such as Max.
Russia’s telecommunications watchdog Roskomnadzor has accused messaging apps lTelegram and WhatsApp of failing to comply with Russian legislation requiring companies to store Russian users’ data within the country and of failing to take measures to stop their platforms being used for alleged criminal or terrorist purposes.
It has used this as a basis to slow down or hinder its operations with restrictions that have come into effect since last year.
Critics say the overall aim of Russia’s strategy is to restrict free speech and privacy, monitor and control the narrative about the war against Ukraine, and surveil the public for any criticism of the government and Russian armed forces. CNBC has contacted the Kremlin for further comment and is awaiting a response.
Telegram, founded by Russian developers but headquartered in Dubai, has become a prime target for Roskomnadzor scrutiny and increased restrictions; Users have reported slow performance on the app since January. Moscow Times noted This week. Last August, the telecommunications watchdog partially restricted calls on Telegram and WhatsApp.
Roskomnadzor, officially known as the Federal Service for Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media Supervision, accused Telegram on Wednesday of failing to prevent illegal activity on the app, failing to protect users’ data and violating Russian law.
“In this regard, by decision of the competent bodies, Roskomnadzor will continue to impose successive restrictions to ensure compliance with Russian legislation and the protection of citizens,” he said in a statement reported by the RBC news outlet. he said.
Kremlin spokesman Peskov said on Wednesday that Roskomnadzor’s decision to slow down Telegram’s activities “was due to the company’s failure to comply with the requirements of Russian legislation.”
“It’s a shame the company didn’t comply, but there is a law that must be followed.” Peskov told state news agency TASS:.
Russia’s telecom watchdog said on Wednesday that it is open to working with any domestic and foreign internet resource as long as it respects Russian laws and citizens.
