WhatsApp warned that recent restrictions in Russia could strip private, end-to-end encrypted messaging from more than 100 million users just before the holidays. The statement followed Roskomnadzor's renewed threat to fully block WhatsApp unless it complies with Russian law. Monitoring sites reported thousands of outages and slowdowns, and authorities continue to promote a state-backed messenger, MAX, which critics say may enable user tracking.
WhatsApp Warns Russian Restrictions Could Take Private Chats From 100M Users Ahead Of Holidays
The WhatsApp app logo is seen on a smartphone in this picture illustration taken September 15, 2017. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
LONDON, Dec 23 (Reuters) — WhatsApp on Tuesday accused Russian authorities of imposing restrictions that risk depriving more than 100 million people in the country of private, end-to-end encrypted communications just before the holiday season.
The company issued the statement after Russia's communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, renewed a warning that it would fully block WhatsApp unless the platform brought its services into compliance with Russian law.
"WhatsApp continues to violate Russian law. The messenger is used to organise and carry out terrorist acts on the territory of the country, to recruit their perpetrators and to commit fraud and other crimes against our citizens," Roskomnadzor told Russian state media.
Roskomnadzor confirmed it was taking steps to progressively restrict WhatsApp. Monitoring websites recorded thousands of reports from Russians describing outages and slowdowns on Tuesday.
"In restricting access to WhatsApp, the Russian government aims to take away the right to private, end-to-end encrypted communication from over 100 million people, right before the holiday season in Russia," a WhatsApp spokesperson said. "WhatsApp is deeply embedded in the fabric of every community in the country — from parent and workplace groups to friends, neighborhood, and extended family chats across Russian regions. We’re committed to fighting for our users because forcing people onto less secure and government-mandated apps can only lead to less safety for Russian people."
Background And Wider Context
Since August, Russian authorities have limited some calling features on WhatsApp (owned by Meta Platforms) and on Telegram, saying foreign-owned messaging services have refused to share data requested in investigations into alleged fraud and terrorism. Authorities have also blocked or restricted other platforms including Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
The government is promoting a state-backed messenger called MAX. Critics warn that MAX could be used to monitor users and erode privacy, while officials say the app integrates government services to simplify and improve daily life, and deny it is intended for surveillance.
What This Means For Users
WhatsApp argues that forcing users to migrate to state-approved or less-secure services would reduce privacy and safety for many Russians who rely on end-to-end encryption for private conversations, business communications, and community coordination. The dispute highlights growing tensions between global tech platforms and national regulators over legal compliance, data access and user privacy.
(Reporting by Alexander Marrow and Andrew Osborn; Editing by Timothy Heritage)
