WhatsApp on Thursday accused Russia of making an attempt to dam its providers as a result of the Meta-owned messaging app protects customers’ proper to safe communication by end-to-end encryption.
In a press release, WhatsApp mentioned Russia is making an attempt to chop off entry for greater than 100 million customers within the nation after the platform refused to compromise on privateness.
“WhatsApp is personal, end-to-end encrypted, and defies authorities makes an attempt to violate folks’s proper to safe communication, which is why Russia is making an attempt to dam it from over 100 million Russian folks,” the corporate mentioned.
Our assertion on the information in regards to the Russian authorities’s try to dam WhatsApp:
WhatsApp is personal, end-to-end encrypted, and defies authorities makes an attempt to violate folks’s proper to safe communication, which is why Russia is making an attempt to dam it from over 100 million…
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) August 13, 2025
Telegram says it’s utilizing AI instruments to assist moderators monitor public components of the platform, eradicating thousands and thousands of dangerous messages day by day. The corporate says it targets requires violence, sabotage, and fraud.
“Telegram actively combats dangerous use of its platform together with requires sabotage or violence and fraud,” Telegram mentioned. In July 2025, WhatsApp recorded 97.3 million month-to-month customers in Russia, whereas Telegram had 90.8 million, Mediascope reported. VK Messenger, owned by the state-run VK, adopted with 17.9 million customers.
International-owned platform
Russian authorities have begun “partially” limiting calls on Telegram and WhatsApp, accusing the foreign-owned messaging platforms of refusing to cooperate with fraud and terrorism investigations, the Related Press reported.
The announcement, made Wednesday, is the most recent step in Moscow’s push to tighten management over the web.
Roskomnadzor, Russia’s media and web regulator, mentioned the transfer is geared toward combating crime. It cited legislation enforcement companies and “quite a few appeals from residents” in claiming that the 2 apps have turn out to be “the principle voice providers used to deceive and extort cash, and to contain Russian residents in sabotage and terrorist actions.”
The watchdog additionally alleged that repeated requests for the businesses to take corrective motion had gone unanswered.
WhatsApp: Connecting over 2 billion folks worldwide
Based on WhatsApp, over 2 billion folks in additional than 180 nations use its app to remain related with family and friends anytime, anyplace. The platform is free and presents easy, safe, and dependable messaging and calling on cell gadgets worldwide.
The identify “WhatsApp” is a playful twist on the phrase “What’s up,” although the corporate notes that information fees might apply.
Initially launched as an SMS different, WhatsApp now helps textual content, pictures, movies, paperwork, location sharing, and voice calls–all protected with end-to-end encryption, the corporate says.
