“WhatsApp is private, defies govt attempts to violate people’s right,” WhatsApp reacts to Russia ban

WhatsApp stated that Russia was attempting to block its services because the Meta-owned messaging platform protects people’s right to secure communication, and pledged to keep working to ensure encrypted services remain accessible in the country.

Russia has begun restricting certain Telegram and WhatsApp calls, accusing the foreign-owned platforms of refusing to provide information to law enforcement in cases related to fraud and terrorism.

“WhatsApp is private, end-to-end encrypted, and defies government attempts to violate people’s right to secure communication, which is why Russia is trying to block it from over 100 million Russian people,” WhatsApp said in a statement reported by Reuters.

“We will keep doing all we can to make end-to-end encrypted communication available to people everywhere, including in Russia.”