Russia has attempted to "fully block" Meta Platforms-owned WhatsApp in the country, a company spokesperson told Reuters on Wednesday, as Moscow promotes home-grown platforms and seeks greater control over its internet space.
A simmering dispute with foreign tech providers intensified after Moscow's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The comment comes as Russian authorities push a state-backed rival app called 'MAX', which critics claim could be used to track users. State media have dismissed those accusations as false.
WhatsApp said the block is Russia's efforts to drive users to a "state-owned surveillance app."
"We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected," the company said.
When asked whether WhatsApp would return to Russia, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told TASS in a video published on Wednesday that it was a matter of complying with Russian legislation.
"This is again a question of fulfilling the legislation. If the Meta corporation fulfils this and enters into dialogue with Russian authorities, then we have the possibility of reaching an agreement."
"If the corporation (Meta) sticks to an uncompromising position and, I would say, shows itself unready to align with Russian legislation, then there is no chance."
The Financial Times previously reported that Russian authorities have removed the secure messaging application, which has about 100 million users, from the equivalent of an online directory run by Roskomnadzor, the state's communications watchdog.
The Kremlin did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Last year, Russia began limiting some calls on WhatsApp and messaging service Telegram, accusing foreign-owned platforms of refusing to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases. It also blocked Apple's video-calling app FaceTime in December.
Telegram's Russian-born founder Pavel Durov previously said it would remain committed to protecting freedom of speech and user privacy.
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The United States and Azerbaijan signed a strategic partnership in Baku on Tuesday (10 February) encompassing economic and security cooperation as Washington seeks to expand its influence in a region where Russia was once the main power broker.
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 12th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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Italy will not join U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace because of constitutional constraints, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Wednesday, confirming Rome’s decision to stay out of the initiative.
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