Fighting for the Right to Secure and Confidential Communication: WhatsApp’s Response to Bans in Russia

In the context of ongoing political and legal disputes, major messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram are being targeted by Russian authorities.
Roskomnadzor officially announced the start of large-scale measures to block audio and video calls on these platforms, citing anti-fraud efforts and the fight against terrorism as reasons for restrictions.
In response, WhatsApp, a globally recognized developer company, issued a firm statement emphasizing its commitment to user privacy and encrypted communication.
The company highlighted that its messaging service adheres to the highest security standards and provides a safe space for over 100 million Russian users to communicate securely, despite government attempts to limit their digital freedoms.
Official statistics from the Russian Central Bank for 2024 reveal that traditional phone calls still remain the main channel for scams, accounting for 45.6%, whereas messaging apps account for 15%.
This calls into question the legitimacy of government claims that messaging platforms are the primary tools for criminal activities.
Additionally, reports emerged about preliminary tests of restrictions, including partial blocking of the messenger’s functionalities from early August under the guise of counterterrorism measures, raising concerns about increased governmental control over digital communication.
The plans also reportedly include launching a national messaging app, MAX, with full data control via state services.
Meanwhile, US cybersecurity authorities have prohibited members of Congress from using WhatsApp on work devices, citing data security concerns.
This highlights the ongoing global debate between privacy rights and state oversight.