"Russia has blocked messaging service WhatsApp over alleged legal breaches, urging users to switch to a state-backed alternative in what is widely seen as a bid to clamp down on free speech amid the war in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced the move on Thursday, attributing it to WhatsApp's reluctance to comply with the norms and letter of Russian law."
"He advised Russians to turn instead to MAX, a state-sponsored platform touted as a one-stop shop for messaging, online government services and other services like making payments. Experts warn that MAX, which openly declares it will share user data with authorities upon request, does not use the end-to-end encryption that ensures messages remain private on popular services like WhatsApp, leaving users vulnerable to state snooping."
"But rights campaigners like Amnesty, which this week hit out at the Kremlin's continued limits on Telegram, say restrictions on messaging apps are a transparent attempt to ramp up control and surveillance. As usual, Russian authorities are resorting to the bluntest instrument in their digital repression toolbox: censorship and obstruction under the guise of protecting people's rights and interests, said the group in a statement on Tuesday."
"Last year, Russia began limiting some calls on WhatsApp, owned by US social media giant Meta, and on Telegram, accusing the foreign-owned platforms of refusing to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases. A WhatsApp spokesperson said on Wednesday that the company was doing everything we can to keep users connected. Trying to isolate over 100 million people from private and secure communication is a backwards step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia, said the spokesperson."
Russia has blocked WhatsApp over alleged legal breaches and urged users to adopt MAX, a state-backed platform promoted as an all-in-one service for messaging, government services and payments. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cited WhatsApp's reluctance to comply with Russian law. Experts warn that MAX shares user data with authorities on request and lacks end-to-end encryption, exposing users to state surveillance. Rights groups, including Amnesty, say limits on messaging apps aim to increase control and surveillance, using censorship and obstruction. WhatsApp says it is working to keep users connected and warns that isolating over 100 million people reduces safety.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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