MOSCOW (Kashmir English): Russia has said it was considering banning popular messaging app, WhatsApp, accusing it of failing to prevent and suppress crime.
The move comes amid government’s efforts to make Russians switch to state-backed digital services.
The authorities in Russia had prevented users from making calls on the WhatsApp in August as part of a broader crackdown on Western-owned social media that critics say is designed to force Russians onto domestic platforms.
“WhatsApp being used to carry out terrorist acts”
In a statement, Russian communications watchdog Roskomnadzor said WhatsApp was being used to “organise and carry out terrorist acts in the country, to recruit perpetrators, and for fraud and other crimes against our citizens.”
“If the messenger fails to comply with Russian legislation, it will be completely blocked,” it said.
US technology giant Meta, which owns the messaging service, did not immediately comment.
WhatsApp and Telegram are the two most popular messaging services in Russia.
