WhatsApp has accused the Russian government of attempting to fully block the messaging platform, a move the company says was aimed at pushing users toward a state-backed surveillance app.
In a statement on Twitter on Thursday, Meta-owned WhatsApp warned that the action could impact over 100 million users in Russia.
“Today the Russian government attempted to fully block WhatsApp in an effort to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app,” the company wrote. “Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backwards step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia.”
WhatsApp emphasized that it continues to take measures to keep users connected despite government restrictions.
The claim follows Russia’s announcement earlier this week that it would impose “phased restrictions” on the Telegram messaging platform for failing to comply with local laws.
Critics and rights activists have described these moves as part of the Kremlin’s broader crackdown on dissent, giving authorities greater control and surveillance over internet usage amid the ongoing military offensive in Ukraine.
The developments highlight ongoing tensions between global tech platforms and the Russian government over privacy, security, and state monitoring.
