Daijiworld Media Network – San Francisco

San Francisco, Feb 12: Messaging platform WhatsApp on Wednesday alleged that the Russian government attempted to fully block its services in the country in a bid to push users toward a competing state-controlled application.

In a post on social media platform X, WhatsApp said the move could potentially impact over 100 million users in Russia.

“Today the Russian government attempted to fully block WhatsApp in an effort to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app,” the company stated.

“Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backwards step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia. We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected,” it added.

Moscow has in recent years sought to encourage citizens to shift to domestically developed online services that are subject to stricter state oversight. Authorities have warned several foreign internet platforms of slowdowns, fines or outright bans for failing to comply with Russian laws — including requirements that user data of Russian citizens be stored within the country.

Critics and human rights groups have described such measures as part of a broader crackdown on digital freedoms, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. They argue that tighter restrictions on global platforms are aimed at strengthening state control and surveillance over online communication.

The latest development follows an announcement by Russia’s internet watchdog on Tuesday that it would impose “phased restrictions” on the Telegram messaging platform, alleging non-compliance with domestic regulations.

There was no immediate detailed response from Russian authorities regarding WhatsApp’s claims.