A latest of Reuters Report It is said that Russian MP Anton Gorelkin reiterated the matter of declaration of “Extremeist Organization” by Meta and said that the way Facebook and Instagram were blocked earlier, now there is now WhatsApp. He wrote on Telegram that the same attitude should be adopted on all platforms of Meta. According to them, Whatsapp needs to be put in the list of “restricted software”.
The other MP Anton Nemkin moved a step ahead and allegedly called WhatsApp to “scam and detective tool”. He said that through this app, anti -Russia forces can get access and this is a serious challenge for the country’s digital sovereignty. It is necessary to remove such apps from Russia’s digital system.
The report further states that in the midst of this entire issue, Russia has announced its domestic chat platform Max. This app is being developed by the government and its purpose is to replace foreign platforms like WhatsApp. Citizens will not only be able to message through Max, but will also be able to access government service.
Talking about Telegram, it is not a threat to it for now. According to some media reports, Telegram is now in the process of registering as a Russian legal entity and is cooperating with the government. For this reason, Telegram is currently in safe zone as compared to WhatsApp.
However, there is no response from Meta to this entire matter so far. But the way the Russian government is imposing restrictions on foreign technology, it is clear that in the coming months, it can be more difficult to operate WhatsApp in Russia.
Why does Russia want to ban Whatsapp?
Russian MPs have described WhatsApp as ‘Security Threat’ and demanded a ban on foreign software.
Is Meta’s apps banned before?
Yes, Facebook and Instagram have already been banned in Russia.
What is Max app?
The Max is the Russian government’s own messaging app, which is being made an alternative to WhatsApp.
Why not ban on Telegram?
Telegram is following Russia’s laws and is preparing to become a legal entity there.
Has Meta or WhatsApp had any official reaction?
So far no public statement has come from Meta on this issue.