Russia’s state communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has threatened to block WhatsApp entirely if the platform fails to comply with Russian law.
Earlier in August, Russia began limiting some calls on WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, and on Telegram, accusing the foreign-owned messaging services of refusing to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases.
On Friday, Roskomnadzor reiterated that WhatsApp is still not meeting Russian regulatory requirements, which are intended to prevent and combat crime.
“If the messaging service continues to fail to meet the demands of Russian legislation, it will be completely blocked,” Interfax quoted the watchdog.
WhatsApp has pushed back, claiming that Moscow’s actions aim to deny millions of Russians access to secure communication.
Meanwhile, Russian authorities are promoting a state-backed messaging app called MAX, which critics warn could allow user tracking. Russian state media dismiss these concerns as false.
