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WhatsApp has claimed that the Russian government had attempted to “fully block” the messaging platform in the country.
Meta-owned WhatsApp made the claim in a short tweet on Thursday.
The platform accused the Russian authorities of trying to push users toward a state-backed alternative, potentially affecting over 100 million residents.
“Today the Russian government attempted to fully block WhatsApp in an effort to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app,” WhatsApp wrote
“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,” the company added.
The company also noted that it continues to do everything possible to keep users connected.
The latest developments came after Russia’s internet watchdog said Tuesday it would slap “phased restrictions” on the Telegram messaging platform for failing to comply with Russian law.
The Russian restrictions, according to critics and rights activists, are an obvious attempt by the Kremlin to increase control and monitoring over internet usage in Russia as part of a wider crackdown on dissent during the offensive in Ukraine.
