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Russia Tries to Block WhatsApp, Pushing State Surveillance App

WhatsApp has accused the Russian government of attempting to fully block its messaging service in the country to drive users toward a state-owned surveillance application. Russian officials state the block is due to Meta's non-compliance with local laws and accuse WhatsApp of being used for terrorism and fraud. The state-endorsed alternative is an app called Max, which is now required on all new devices sold in Russia. Telegram founder Pavel Durov has also recently accused Russia of restricting access to his platform for similar reasons.

Key Points: Russia Attempts to Block WhatsApp Over Legal Dispute

  • Russia attempted full WhatsApp block
  • Push for state surveillance app Max
  • Demand for Meta to comply with Russian laws
  • Accusations of app enabling terrorism and fraud
2 min read

WhatsApp alleges Russian Government attempted to ban application

WhatsApp alleges Russia tried to fully block the app to push users to a state surveillance platform. Russia demands Meta comply with its laws.

"Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backwards step. - WhatsApp"

Washington, DC, February 12

Meta-owned WhatsApp on Thursday issued a statement alleging that the Russian Government attempted to block the messaging application in the country. WhatsApp's statement comes shortly after Telegram founder Pavel Durov accused Russia of restricting access to the application.

In a post on X, WhatsApp said, "Today the Russian government attempted to fully block WhatsApp in an effort to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app. Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backwards step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia. We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected."

Dmitry Peskov, Russian Presidential Press Secretary, told TASS that WhatsApp would be unblocked in Russia if Meta complies with Russian laws and demonstrates readiness for dialogue. "This is a matter of compliance with Russian laws. If Meta complies, it will enter into dialogue with the Russian authorities, and then there will be an opportunity to reach an agreement," he said.

According to TASS, he further added, "If the corporation continues to cling to its uncompromising stance and, I would say, demonstrate absolute unwillingness to complies with Russian laws, then there will be no chances".

TASS on Thursday said that Russia's telecom watchdog confirmed to TASS that that it is taking measures to slow down WhatsApp over violations of Russian laws. It claimed that the messenger is used to organise and carry out terrorist activities in the country, and is also one of the main services used to defraud and extort money from citizens.

Earlier on Wednesday, Telegram founder Pavel Durov in a post on X had also alleged Russia of restricting access to the application. He wrote, "Russia is restricting access to Telegram to force its citizens onto a state-controlled app built for surveillance and political censorship. This authoritarian move won't change our course. Telegram stands for freedom and privacy, no matter the pressure."

CNN reported on Wednesday the state-endorsed alternative is Max, an app the Russian government now requires to be pre-installed on all new smartphones and tablets sold in Russia. It further noted that users on Max can message each other, send money and make audio and video calls.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While Russia's method is harsh, there is a point about platforms complying with local laws. Every sovereign nation has the right to regulate. However, cutting off 100 million users from a secure app is not the solution. Dialogue is key.
V
Vikram M
WhatsApp is a lifeline for so many families, including NRIs like me who stay in touch with relatives back home. Imagine if we couldn't video call our parents because of such politics. Tech should unite, not divide.
S
Sarah B
The allegation about the app being used for terrorist activities and fraud is serious. If true, any government would be concerned. But the response should be targeted, not a blanket ban that punishes ordinary citizens.
R
Rohit P
This is why we need strong Indian alternatives! We depend too much on foreign apps. JioChat, Sandes, etc., need to step up their game with better features and security. Atmanirbhar Bharat in the digital space is crucial.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, I think WhatsApp's statement is a bit one-sided. They are a US company and have their own agenda. While I don't support Russia's methods, Meta doesn't have a clean record on privacy either. The whole situation is messy.
K
Kavya N

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