Roskomnadzor warned of complete blocking of WhatsApp

Roskomnadzor said that the WhatsApp messenger could be blocked entirely in Russia if it does not comply with legal requirements.

Roskomnadzor admitted that it continues to restrict WhatsApp in Russia because it continues to violate Russian law. The department believes that the messenger is used to organize terrorist attacks in Russia, as well as “for fraudulent and other crimes against our citizens.”

“The restrictions are being introduced in stages, allowing users to switch to using other messengers <...> If the requirements of Russian legislation are not met by the messenger, it will be completely blocked,” Roskomnadzor said.

The regulator also recalled that it has already limited voice calls on WhatsApp - as well as on Telegram - and will continue to expand measures until the platform brings its work into compliance with Russian rules.

Since November 25, users have continued to complain about problems with the operation of WhatsApp (owned by Meta, which is considered an extremist organization in the Russian Federation). According to Sboy.rf, today the messenger works intermittently, including in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, Information Technologies and Communications Andrei Svintsov previously said that the messenger could be completely blocked in Russia within 4-6 months.