Russia Accused of Trying to Eavesdrop on Citizens by Blocking WhatsApp, Claims Meta-Owned Messaging App

The Russian government is under scrutiny for allegedly attempting to monitor its citizens by restricting access to WhatsApp, a popular messaging platform.

On Wednesday, WhatsApp issued a statement accusing the Kremlin of limiting voice calling capabilities for both WhatsApp and Telegram within the country.

The Russian government asserts that cybercriminals are exploiting these applications for deception and financial extortion. Additionally, they claim that the apps are recruiting Russian citizens to undertake acts of sabotage and terrorism amidst the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

However, Meta-owned WhatsApp maintains that the Kremlin’s real intention is to eavesdrop on users by compelling local Russian users to migrate to less secure platforms susceptible to government surveillance.

“WhatsApp offers private, end-to-end encrypted communication, resisting government efforts to infringe upon people’s right to secure communication. As a result, Russia appears to be attempting to block WhatsApp access for over 100 million Russian citizens,” stated a WhatsApp spokesperson.

This end-to-end encryption feature prevents governments, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and even WhatsApp itself from accessing user communications. For the government to intercept conversations, it would need to physically seize and unlock the devices.

Recent developments indicate that Russia may be considering a complete ban on WhatsApp and Telegram as part of an effort to suppress dissent. Last month, a Russian lawmaker suggested that WhatsApp should withdraw from the country to pave the way for a state-developed messaging app, according to Reuters. In 2022, a Russian court also prohibited Instagram and Facebook due to “extremist activities,” although WhatsApp was exempt. The court also imposed a six-year prison sentence on Meta’s communications director in absentia for “publicly defending terrorism.”

Moreover, the Kremlin has been following China’s lead in establishing an internet system capable of isolating access to foreign services, even with users employing Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Despite the current blocking, WhatsApp remains committed to making its chat service available to Russian users.