Concerns over access to private communication services surfaced this week after widespread reports of disruptions across Russia. Messaging platform WhatsApp said restrictions imposed by authorities could deny more than 100 million people access to secure communication just ahead of the holiday season.
The statement came after Russia’s communications regulator repeated its warning that WhatsApp could be fully blocked if it does not align its operations with local laws. The regulator told a state run media outlet, “WhatsApp continues to violate Russian law. The messenger is used to organise and carry out terrorist acts on the territory of the country, to recruit their perpetrators and to commit fraud and other crimes against our citizens.” It added that measures were being taken to gradually restrict the service.
On Tuesday, monitoring platforms recorded thousands of complaints from users reporting outages and slower speeds. WhatsApp is owned by a US based technology company.
A WhatsApp spokesperson responded by saying, “In restricting access to WhatsApp, the Russian government aims to take away the right to private, end-to-end encrypted communication from over 100 million people, right before the holiday season in Russia.” The spokesperson added, “WhatsApp is deeply embedded in the fabric of every community in the country – from parent and workplace groups to friends, neighborhood, and extended family chats across Russian regions. We’re committed to fighting for our users because forcing people onto less secure and government-mandated apps can only lead to less safety for Russian people.”
Tensions between Moscow and foreign technology firms have increased since February 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Authorities have blocked or restricted several major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube. Hundreds of fines have also been issued to companies accused of failing to comply with Russian rules on online content and data storage.
In August, Russia began limiting some calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, accusing both platforms of refusing to share data with law enforcement in cases linked to fraud and terrorism. At the same time, officials have promoted a state backed messaging app called MAX.
Critics have claimed the app could be used to monitor users. Authorities have denied this, stating that MAX integrates government related services to simplify daily life for citizens.
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