Russia threatens to ban WhatsApp over ‘terrorism and crime’ claims
Moscow: Russia on Friday said it was considering banning the popular messaging service WhatsApp, accusing the platform of failing to prevent and suppress crime, as authorities push Russians to switch to state-backed digital services.
The move comes after Moscow blocked users from making calls on WhatsApp in August, part of a broader crackdown on Western-owned social media platforms that critics claim is aimed at forcing Russians onto domestic services.
Why is WhatsApp being targeted?
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."
Roskomnadzor added, "If the messenger fails to comply with Russian legislation, it will be completely blocked."
What has Meta said?
US technology giant Meta, which owns WhatsApp, did not immediately comment on the potential ban.
How popular is WhatsApp in Russia?
WhatsApp is one of the two most popular messaging services in Russia, alongside Telegram.
Authorities want both WhatsApp and Telegram to provide access to user data upon request from law enforcement, for fraud investigations and for examining activities Russia classifies as "terrorist".
Why are rights advocates concerned?
Rights groups fear such measures would extend Russia's surveillance capabilities and could be used to target critics of the Kremlin, President Vladimir Putin, or the war in Ukraine.
AFP inputs