Russia Threatens Full Ban on WhatsApp Over Legal Violations
GeokHub
Contributing Writer
MOSCOW, Nov 28 GeokHub — Russia has warned that WhatsApp could face a complete ban nationwide after regulators accused the messaging platform of repeatedly failing to comply with local laws aimed at preventing crime and safeguarding national security.
Roskomnadzor, the country’s communications watchdog, said WhatsApp has not met key legal obligations, including cooperation with law-enforcement requests and adherence to data-handling rules. Officials claim the platform has been used to coordinate fraudulent schemes and support criminal activities — allegations the government says justify stronger action if compliance is not achieved.
The warning marks a sharp escalation after earlier restrictions placed on WhatsApp earlier this year, when Russia limited certain call features in an effort to tighten control over encrypted messaging services. Despite those measures, the platform has remained one of the most widely used communication tools across the country.
A full ban would disrupt daily communication for millions of users — from families to small businesses — and force many to shift to domestic alternatives. Russian authorities have already been encouraging citizens to migrate to local messaging apps, raising concerns among privacy advocates about increased surveillance and reduced digital freedom.
Meta, the company behind WhatsApp, has previously criticized similar actions, stressing that user privacy and secure communication are fundamental to the service. The future now hinges on whether WhatsApp agrees to meet the regulator’s demands or continues resisting requirements it sees as compromising user data.
