Roskomnadzor: WhatsApp being gradually restricted in Russia, may be fully blocked

MOSCOW. Nov 28 (Interfax) - Restrictions are being gradually imposed against the WhatsApp messenger in Russia due to its refusal to observe requirements, they will continue and WhatsApp may be fully blocked, Russian telecoms watchdog Roskomnadzor said.

"WhatsApp continues violating Russian legislation. The messenger is being used for organizing and carrying out terrorist actions on the territory of the country, for recruiting their perpetrators, for fraud and other crimes against our citizens," the Roskomnadzor press service told reporters.

"WhatsApp is not observing requirements aimed at preventing and stopping the commission of crimes on the territory of Russia," which is why Roskomnadzor "is consistently imposing restrictions against WhatsApp," it said.

The gradual deterioration of WhatsApp calls began in August, which Roskomnadzor announced in mass media. The restrictions are being introduced gradually, letting users switch to other messengers. "We recommend switching to national services," Roskomnadzor said.

"Restrictions will continue to be imposed against WhatsApp," Roskomnadzor said.

"If the requirements of Russian legislation are not observed by the messenger, it will be fully blocked," it said.

On August 13, the Roskomnadzor press service reported a "partial restriction of calls" on Telegram and WhatsApp in accordance with law enforcement agencies' materials for preventing crime.

On October 22, Roskomnadzor announced the partial blocking of WhatsApp and Telegram in Russia as part of efforts to fight crime.

Russian users reported disruptions on WhatsApp over the past three days. Previously, reports came from the Ural and Siberia regions, and on Friday - from users from regions in the European part of Russia, mainly from Moscow and St. Petersburg.