Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, has warned it could block WhatsApp nationwide if the platform fails to comply with domestic regulations, state media reported on Friday.
The agency accused the Meta-owned messenger of refusing to cooperate with law enforcement requests linked to fraud and terrorism investigations. In August, Moscow began restricting certain call functions on WhatsApp and Telegram, citing similar concerns.
“If the messaging service continues to fail to meet the demands of Russian legislation, it will be completely blocked,” Interfax quoted the watchdog as saying.
WhatsApp has criticised the restrictions, accusing authorities of attempting to cut millions of Russians off from secure communication. Meanwhile, the government is promoting MAX — a state-backed alternative that critics say could enable user surveillance, a claim Russian officials deny.
