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WhatsApp accuses Moscow of trying to block secure communication for millions of Russians
Russian regulators cite sabotage and terrorism concerns to limit calls on WhatsApp and Telegram while promoting the government-backed Max app, affecting over 100 million users, officials said.
- On August 13, Roskomnadzor announced partial restrictions on voice and video calls via WhatsApp and Telegram across Russia.
- The restrictions follow accusations that these apps facilitate fraud, sabotage, and terrorism while their owners refuse law enforcement cooperation.
- Authorities aim to curb criminal activities and promote Max, a government-backed messenger app developed by VK, planned to be pre-installed on new smartphones.
- WhatsApp stated it will continue to protect end-to-end encrypted communication for users, noting the block affects over 100 million Russians and threatens secure messaging.
- This move highlights Moscow's broader effort to increase digital sovereignty by replacing foreign technologies with state-controlled platforms, raising concerns about net neutrality and surveillance.
18 Articles
18 Articles
WhatsApp accuses Moscow of trying to block secure communication for millions of Russians
WhatsApp accused Moscow of trying to block millions of Russians from accessing secure communication after calls on the messaging app were restricted, as Russia promotes home-grown social media platforms and seeks greater control over the country's internet space.
Messenger WhatsApp accused Russia's authorities of violating human rights and trying to block millions of citizens' access to secure communications. This statement was published by the Messenger on 14 August, after the service restricted the ability to make calls. This is against the background of Russia's social platforms and the Kremlin's desire to impose stricter control over the country's Internet space. "WhatsApp is confidential, default is…
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