Russia Threatens WhatsApp Block for Non-Compliance

Russia's communications regulator has escalated restrictions on WhatsApp, warning of a potential nationwide block if the popular messaging app fails to comply with local laws aimed at combating crime and terrorism. The move, announced Friday by Roskomnadzor, comes amid reports of widespread service disruptions across major cities and regions, as authorities promote domestic alternatives to Western technology platforms.

Roskomnadzor stated that WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms Inc., has repeatedly violated Russian requirements by not preventing the organization of terrorist activities, recruitment of perpetrators, fraud, and other crimes. The agency cited the app's role in facilitating such actions as justification for ongoing measures. Since August, voice and video calls on WhatsApp and rival Telegram have been blocked as part of an anti-fraud initiative. More recently, mobile operators were instructed not to deliver SMS verification codes for user registration or logins, prompting WhatsApp to introduce a passkey alternative for Russian accounts. Officials indicated that these phased restrictions will intensify, potentially leading to a complete shutdown unless the company...