Crisis on WhatsApp in Russia, will common people now have to change their chatting app? Know the whole matter

Russia WhatsApp Ban: Debates continue around the world regarding the privacy of social media platforms. Many times the policies of these platforms have come under question. Now in this regard, Russia has prepared to take a big and tough step. President Vladimir Putin’s government has already started taking action against Telegram and now WhatsApp Preparations to block it in the country have also intensified. This decision may not only prove to be a blow to millions of Russian users, but may also become a cause of great concern for American tech companies.

Why has the threat increased on WhatsApp?

The tension between Russia and Meta has now come to the fore. Citing privacy and data security, Russia has started preparations to completely block WhatsApp. A WhatsApp spokesperson confirmed that Russian authorities aim to shift local users to government platforms.

According to reports, Russia is promoting its government app MAX. WhatsApp claims that it is being blocked deliberately so that people use the government app. The company has described MAX as a surveillance app, although Russian media have rejected these allegations.

Russia’s stance changed after 2022

After the attack on Ukraine in the year 2022, Russia has become strict towards foreign tech companies. Russia alleges that many American companies do not share data with investigative agencies. According to media reports, Russia’s Communications Department has also removed WhatsApp from its official directory. About 100 million people use WhatsApp in Russia. Earlier, Apple’s FaceTime and Snapchat have also been blocked in Russia.

Obey the law or leave the country: Putin government’s ultimatum

Russian government spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has clearly said that Russia will not allow any foreign company to work on its own terms. He clarified that the government has no personal animosity towards WhatsApp or Meta, but the companies have to respect Russian sovereignty and local laws. Peskov said that if Meta is willing to follow the laws and negotiate, there is a possibility of an agreement, but there will be no chance of withdrawal if it adopts an obstinate attitude.

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Why strictness on Telegram also?

Russia’s regulatory body Roskomnadzor has also started the process of banning Telegram. The government says the app refused to remove content the government considers criminal and terroristic. Since then, many users have complained about Telegram being slow or closed.

America’s tension will increase

Russia is continuously closing its doors to American tech companies. This will not only cause economic loss to these companies, but may also increase the technological conflict between America and Russia. If a complete ban on WhatsApp is implemented, it will be considered the biggest change in Russia’s digital policy so far.