WhatsApp Says Russia Attempted to ‘Fully Block’ Service Months After Partial Ban

WhatsApp has raised concerns about the Russian government's recent efforts to completely block its service, claiming that this move aims to push users towards a state-owned messaging platform. In a statement released on Thursday, WhatsApp highlighted that this escalation follows a previous partial ban imposed by the Russian communications regulator on its voice calling feature, as well as on Telegram. The company characterized the government’s preferred alternative as a 'surveillance app,' suggesting that it could compromise user privacy and data security. This situation reflects increasing tensions between Western tech companies and the Russian government, which has been actively tightening its control over digital communication platforms. As citizens in Russia face heightened restrictions on popular apps, the implications for free communication and privacy rights are becoming increasingly pronounced, drawing international scrutiny over Russia's stance on digital freedom.