Russia continues its “war” against WhatsApp, the most used messaging app in the world. As reported on the official social channels of the Meta application, in the last few hours there has been “an attempt by the Russian authorities to block the functioning of the messaging app to force users to ‘switch’ to a state-controlled service”.
Moscow against WhatsApp
This week the Russian authorities had already imposed restrictions on Telegram, encouraging citizens to use Max, a messaging service alternative to existing ones developed at the behest of the Russian government, and which since the beginning of September has been installed on all cell phones, tablets and smart TVs sold in Russia. “Trying to exclude more than 100 million users from the possibility of private and secure communications constitutes a step backwards that can only lead to less security for people in Russia – the message continues – We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected”.
The Kremlin: “They respect our laws”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov spoke on the matter and, speaking to the Tass agency, invited WhatsApp and Meta to respect the laws in force in Russia: “If Meta adapts, a dialogue will start with the Russian authorities and then, then, there will be the opportunity to reach an agreement. If the company continues to remain on its intransigent position and, I would say, demonstrate an absolute lack of will to respect Russian laws, then there will be no possibility”.
As Peskov pointed out, if the US company ignores Moscow’s requests, the service will not be restored. Russia’s telecommunications regulator confirmed to TASS that it had taken measures to slow down WhatsApp due to violations of Russian laws. It claims that the messaging service is used to organize and carry out terrorist activities in the country and that it is also one of the main services used to defraud and extort money from citizens.