The Russian government is moving to fully block WhatsApp and Telegram, citing non-compliance with domestic laws as the main reason for action against these platforms.
On February 12, the official WhatsApp account stated that the Russian government attempted to completely block its services, which would isolate over 100 million users in Russia. WhatsApp expressed its commitment to keep users connected despite the government's actions, viewing the situation as a setback. The Kremlin has confirmed the decision to block WhatsApp, as a response to its unwillingness to comply with Russian laws.
Simultaneously, Telegram has also experienced disruptions, with users indicating difficulties in accessing the platform at the beginning of February. The Russian communications agency, Roskomnadzor, is enforcing these blocks under the pretext that Telegram has not adhered to Russian regulations, failing to protect personal data and lacking adequate measures against criminal use of its service. These aggressive censorship moves reflect the Kremlin's tightening grip on communication platforms that it cannot control.
Additionally, the unofficial reason for the crackdown, suggested by Telegram's founder Pavel Durov, may be tied to the government’s desire to replace these platforms with a state-sanctioned alternative that could monitor and control user activity more effectively. This shift raises significant concerns regarding the reduction of digital freedoms in Russia and the implications it has for privacy and freedom of expression throughout the country.
