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| Russia Blocked WhatsApp across the country |
Russia has blocked WhatsApp across the country after accusing its parent company, Meta Platforms, of violating domestic regulations.
The Kremlin confirmed on Thursday that access to the messaging app has been fully restricted, ending months of mounting pressure on the US-based tech firm.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the decision followed Meta’s refusal to comply with Russian law. He encouraged citizens to move to MAX, a state-owned messaging platform promoted by the government as an alternative.
“MAX is available on the market and can serve as a national messenger,” Peskov told reporters.Russia Blocks WhatsApp After Months of Restrictions
The move to block WhatsApp did not happen overnight. Since August, Russia’s communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, had limited certain features on the app, including voice calls. Officials accused foreign-owned platforms of failing to cooperate with law enforcement in investigations related to fraud and terrorism.
In December, authorities announced further steps to tighten access, stating that WhatsApp continued to breach local rules. Courts had already imposed fines on the company for not removing prohibited content and for failing to establish a representative office inside Russia.
Following the latest action, several domain names linked to WhatsApp were removed from Russia’s national domain registry. As a result, devices inside the country could no longer connect to the app’s servers without using a virtual private network (VPN).
Meta has previously been labeled an extremist organization in Russia. In a statement before the full shutdown, WhatsApp warned that cutting off access to more than 100 million users would reduce secure communication options for people in the country.
Roskomnadzor did not immediately comment on the nationwide block.
Mixed Public Reaction to WhatsApp Block
The decision triggered differing reactions in Moscow.
A small group of activists briefly placed a bicycle lock on the doors of Roskomnadzor’s office and displayed a poster calling for an unrestricted internet.
Some residents expressed frustration, arguing that removing WhatsApp limits consumer choice. Others said they would adapt by switching to different apps. A number of users indicated they would continue using WhatsApp through VPN services for as long as possible.
Russia has already restricted or banned several other foreign platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.
Push for Digital Sovereignty
The WhatsApp block forms part of a broader effort by Russian authorities to strengthen control over the country’s online space.
Officials say foreign technology companies must follow Russian regulations or face restrictions. The government has increasingly promoted domestic alternatives, including MAX, which integrates messaging with certain public services.
Critics argue that the state-backed platform could enable greater monitoring of users. Russian authorities reject those claims and say the app is intended to make digital services more accessible.
See Also... Iran Releases Protester on Bail After US Warnings Over Executions
For millions of Russians, the WhatsApp block represents another shift in the country’s digital landscape. As the government presses ahead with its policy of online self-reliance, access to global communication platforms continues to narrow.
By Primelineinfo
Some residents expressed frustration, arguing that removing WhatsApp limits consumer choice. Others said they would adapt by switching to different apps. A number of users indicated they would continue using WhatsApp through VPN services for as long as possible.
Russia has already restricted or banned several other foreign platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.
Push for Digital Sovereignty
The WhatsApp block forms part of a broader effort by Russian authorities to strengthen control over the country’s online space.
Officials say foreign technology companies must follow Russian regulations or face restrictions. The government has increasingly promoted domestic alternatives, including MAX, which integrates messaging with certain public services.
Critics argue that the state-backed platform could enable greater monitoring of users. Russian authorities reject those claims and say the app is intended to make digital services more accessible.
See Also... Iran Releases Protester on Bail After US Warnings Over Executions
For millions of Russians, the WhatsApp block represents another shift in the country’s digital landscape. As the government presses ahead with its policy of online self-reliance, access to global communication platforms continues to narrow.
By Primelineinfo
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