 "Moscow accuses WhatsApp and Telegram of failing to share information in fraud and terrorism cases. AP")
In a latest crackdown on freedom of speech, Russia has restricted messaging apps WhatsApp and Telegram, accusing the foreign-owned platforms of failing to share information with law enforcement. The authorities maintained that neither platform gave information to officials investigating law and terrorism cases.
It is pertinent to note that for several years, Moscow has clashed with foreign tech platforms over content and data storage. The dispute escalated further, expecially after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Meanwhile, critics argued that Russia is trying to expand its control over the country’s internet space.
The restrictions were imposed a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorised the development of a state-backed messaging app integrated with government services. Kremlin maintained that Moscow is seeking to establish what it calls digital sovereignty by promoting homegrown services and reducing its dependence on foreign-owned platforms.
“In order to counteract criminals … measures are being taken to partially restrict calls on these foreign messengers,” Russian news outlet Interfax quoted the communications regulator Roskomnadzor as saying. “No other restrictions have been imposed on their functionality.”
Meanwhile, the Russian digital ministry said, “Access to calls in foreign messengers will be restored after they start complying with Russian legislation.”
Meta & Telegram react
In a statement over the matter, WhatsApp’s owner, Meta, said: “WhatsApp is private, end-to-end encrypted, and defies government attempts to violate people’s right to secure communication, which is why Russia is trying to block it from over 100 million Russian people. We will keep doing all we can to make end-to-end encrypted communication available to people everywhere, including in Russia.”
Meanwhile, Telegram said it is “actively combats misuse of its platform, including calls for sabotage or violence, as well as fraud” and removes “millions of pieces of harmful content every day”. According to Reuters, voice calls on Telegram had barely functioned since 11 August, and WhatsApp calls had been rendered impossible due to intermittent sound and a metallic buzzing.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsMeanwhile, Russia’s digital development ministry said Telegram and WhatsApp had ignored repeated requests to take measures to stop their platforms from being used for activities such as fraud and terrorism. Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the lower house of parliament’s information technology committee, noted that the platforms would need to open legal entities in Russia and cooperate with Roskomnadzor and law enforcement as part of their compliance with Russian law.
They noted that once both platforms comply with the authorities, Russia would lift the blocking measures. Back in 2022, Meta was labelled as an extremist organisation by Russia. However, WhatsApp was widely used in Russia and was allowed to operate in the country without restrictions. After the Ukraine war started, the messenger received some penalties for failing to remove information banned by Russia.
Critics have voiced concerns that Russia’s new state-backed messaging app may track its users’ activities and have suggested Russia could slow WhatsApp’s speeds in order to get users to migrate to the new platform.
With inputs from Reuters.