The Kremlin is continuing to impose more stringent regulations on messaging apps, and Russia has ordered WhatsApp to be blocked. WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta, claimed that the action was intended to force over 100 million Russian users to switch to a “state-owned surveillance app.
Meta’s unwillingness to comply with Russian law, including its norms, was the reason for the decision, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the BBC. According to him, if Meta “complies with [the law] and enters into dialogue,” it may be able to restart operations.
Peskov responded that the “national messenger [is an] available alternative” for Russians when asked if authorities were attempting to coerce them into using the state-developed Max app.
Citing security concerns, Russian internet regulator Roskomnadzor announced this week that it was also restricting access to the messaging app Telegram. According to reports, Russia’s military in Ukraine uses Telegram extensively, as it is popular in Russia. Bloggers who support the war have expressed dissatisfaction with the action, saying it is impeding communication on the ground.
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