Roskomnadzor to consistently introduce restrictions against WhatsApp

Roskomnadzor will continue to implement restrictions on the messenger WhatsApp (owned by Meta, an organization recognized as extremist and banned in Russia) and may block it entirely if it does not comply with Russian legislative requirements, the agency emphasized in a comment available to Vedomosti. ‘Restrictions are being introduced gradually, allowing users to switch to using other messengers. We recommend switching to national services. The introduction of restrictions on WhatsApp will continue,’ the message stated. RKN representatives also emphasized that criminals use the messenger to organize terrorist activities in Russia, recruit citizens, commit fraudulent crimes, and other deceptive schemes. However, WhatsApp has not started to comply with legislative requirements and after the ‘degradation of calls’ that began in August.