Russia Weighs Full WhatsApp Ban, Citing Terrorism and Fraud

Overview

• Roskomnadzor said it is considering prohibiting WhatsApp after alleging the platform is used to organize terrorist acts, recruit perpetrators, and commit fraud.
• The regulator warned the service will face a complete nationwide block if it does not meet Russian legal requirements.
• Meta countered that Russia is targeting the app because it protects people’s right to secure, private communication.
• Moscow seeks law‑enforcement access to user data from WhatsApp and Telegram for probes it labels terrorism or fraud, and authorities previously disabled WhatsApp voice calls in August while promoting state‑backed apps.
• Human‑rights advocates warned that compelled access or a ban could be used to target Kremlin critics and opponents of the war in Ukraine.