Russia threatens to ban WhatsApp

Russia said Friday it was considering banning popular messaging service WhatsApp, accusing it of failing to prevent and suppress crime, as Moscow pushes Russians to switch to state-backed digital services.

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Russia had blocked users from making calls on the platform in August, part of a broader crackdown on Western-owned social media that critics say is designed to force Russians onto domestic platforms.

In a statement, Russian communications watchdog Roskomnadzor said WhatsApp was being used to “organise and carry out terrorist acts in the country, to recruit perpetrators, and for fraud and other crimes against our citizens.”

“If the messenger fails to comply with Russian legislation, it will be completely blocked,” it said.

US technology giant Meta, which owns the messaging service, did not immediately comment.

WhatsApp is one of the two most popular messaging services in Russia, alongside Telegram.

Moscow wants both messengers to provide access to data upon request from law enforcement, for fraud probes and for investigating activities that Russia describes as “terrorist”.

Rights advocates fear that would extend Russia’s surveillance state and could be used to target critics of the Kremlin, President Vladimir Putin or the war in Ukraine.

Vanguard News

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