russia’s communications regulator Roskomnadzor warned on Tuesday it may fully ban WhatsApp within the country, citing the messaging app’s violations of Russian data storage laws and its failure too cooperate with authorities. The potential ban escalates tensions between Moscow and the Meta-owned platform,impacting millions of Russian users who rely on WhatsApp for personal and business dialog.
The threat follows repeated warnings and fines levied against Meta for not storing user data on servers within Russia, a requirement under a 2015 law. Roskomnadzor alleges WhatsApp has repeatedly ignored these demands and has also failed to adequately address requests for information related to user accounts. A complete ban would mark a significant step in Russia’s increasing control over its digital sphere, mirroring previous actions taken against platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
Roskomnadzor stated it has documented “systematic violations” by whatsapp,and that these breaches pose a risk to the rights and freedoms of Russian citizens. The regulator has the authority to block access to online services that fail to comply with Russian law. The agency did not specify a timeline for a potential ban, but indicated it is considering all available measures.
WhatsApp currently has an estimated 72 million monthly active users in Russia, according to Statista data from Febuary 2024. A ban would force users to migrate to choice messaging apps, potentially bolstering domestic platforms like Telegram, which already enjoys significant popularity in the country.
“We are committed to protecting the privacy and security of our users,” a Meta spokesperson said in a statement. ”We are reviewing the latest information and will continue to advocate for the right of people to connect freely and securely.”
Russia has been increasingly assertive in its efforts to control the flow of information online, notably since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The government has implemented stricter regulations on social media platforms and has actively blocked access to independent news sources. The potential ban on WhatsApp is seen by many as a continuation of this trend, further isolating Russia’s digital landscape.
