WhatsApp Accuses Russia of Trying to Block Encrypted Messaging Service
WhatsApp has accused Russia of attempting to block its service because the Meta-owned messaging app protects users’ right to secure communication. The company vowed to continue making encrypted services available in Russia.
Russian authorities have begun restricting some Telegram and WhatsApp calls, claiming the platforms fail to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases.
“WhatsApp is private, end-to-end encrypted, and resists government efforts to violate people’s right to secure communication. That is why Russia is trying to block it from over 100 million users,” the company said in a statement.
It added: “We will keep working to make end-to-end encrypted communication available to people everywhere, including in Russia.”
Telegram said its moderators use AI tools to monitor public channels and remove millions of harmful messages daily. “Telegram actively combats harmful use of its platform, including calls for violence, sabotage, and fraud,” the company stated.
Russia has had long-standing tensions with foreign tech platforms over content control and data storage. These disputes escalated after Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022, with critics saying the Kremlin is seeking greater control over the country’s internet space.
