WhatsApp on Thursday accused Russia of attempting to block its services because the Meta-owned messaging app protects users’ right to secure communication through end-to-end encryption.
In a statement, WhatsApp said Russia is trying to cut off access for more than 100 million users in the country after the platform refused to compromise on privacy.
“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,” the company said.
Our statement on the news about the Russian government’s attempt to block WhatsApp:
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…
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) August 13, 2025
Telegram says it is using AI tools to help moderators monitor public parts of the platform, removing millions of harmful messages daily. The company says it targets calls for violence, sabotage, and fraud.
“Telegram actively combats harmful use of its platform including calls for sabotage or violence and fraud,” Telegram said. In July 2025, WhatsApp recorded 97.3 million monthly users in Russia, while Telegram had 90.8 million, Mediascope reported. VK Messenger, owned by the state-run VK, followed with 17.9 million users.
Foreign-owned platform
Russian authorities have begun “partially” restricting calls on Telegram and WhatsApp, accusing the foreign-owned messaging platforms of refusing to cooperate with fraud and terrorism investigations, the Associated Press reported.
The announcement, made Wednesday, is the latest step in Moscow’s push to tighten control over the internet.
Roskomnadzor, Russia’s media and internet regulator, said the move is aimed at fighting crime. It cited law enforcement agencies and “numerous appeals from citizens” in claiming that the two apps have become “the main voice services used to deceive and extort money, and to involve Russian citizens in sabotage and terrorist activities.”
The watchdog also alleged that repeated requests for the companies to take corrective action had gone unanswered.
WhatsApp: Connecting over 2 billion people worldwide
According to WhatsApp, over 2 billion people in more than 180 countries use its app to stay connected with friends and family anytime, anywhere. The platform is free and offers simple, secure, and reliable messaging and calling on mobile devices worldwide.
The name “WhatsApp” is a playful twist on the phrase “What’s up,” though the company notes that data charges may apply.
Originally launched as an SMS alternative, WhatsApp now supports text, photos, videos, documents, location sharing, and voice calls–all protected with end-to-end encryption, the company says.
Doonited Affiliated: Syndicate News Hunt
This report has been published as part of an auto-generated syndicated wire feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been modified or edited by Doonited
