Meta Accused of Withholding Data in Fraud, Terror Cases
Russia has banned WhatsApp voice and video calls, accusing parent company Meta of refusing to share user data in fraud and terrorism cases, Reuters reports.
The curb, which also affects Telegram calls, has left over 100 million Russian users with text-only messaging.
The move echoes China’s 2017 “Great Firewall” tactics and is part of Moscow’s push for “digital sovereignty.” Officials claim WhatsApp scams have surged 3.5 times since 2024 and insist the platforms must set up local offices and comply with Russian law before calls return.
Meta says it’s defending encryption and user privacy, while Telegram says it’s ramping up AI moderation to tackle abuse. Critics warn the Kremlin is steering users toward its new state-backed “MAX” app — a Russian WeChat — launching next month on all new phones.
For now, the dial tone on WhatsApp in Russia is silent, with no return date in sight.
