Moscow threatens WhatsApp with blocking, pushes own app

Russia's censorship agency Roskomnadzor has threatened to block WhatsApp completely if the app does not comply with the laws there.

WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta, has already faced call restrictions in Russia since August, when Moscow accused both the platform and Telegram of refusing to cooperate with police in fraud and terrorism investigations.

According to Russian authorities, the app ignores obligations related to fighting crime. WhatsApp, on the other hand, accuses Moscow of trying to prevent millions of Russians from accessing secure communications. The conflict is also underpinned by Russian authorities' efforts to push a domestic alternative - the MAX app.

Critics say the state could misuse it to monitor citizens, but official media describe these fears as unfounded. Tensions over communication platforms are thus continuing to rise.

(reuters, mja)