Technology Russia Blocked WhatsApp For Over 100 Million Users Nationwide

Parkinsond

Parkinsond

Level 62
Thread author
Verified
Well-known
Dec 6, 2023
5,066
14,297
6,069
Content source
https://cybersecuritynews.com/russia-blocked-whatsapp/
WhatsApp has accused the Russian government of attempting a nationwide block on its messaging service to force over 100 million users onto a Kremlin-backed alternative riddled with surveillance risks.

In a statement on X, the Meta-owned app declared: “Today the Russian government attempted to fully block WhatsApp in an effort to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app. Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backwards step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia. We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected.”



Users report difficulties sending messages and making calls without VPNs, echoing prior restrictions on voice features imposed last year over alleged non-cooperation in fraud and terrorism probes.

cybersecuritynews.com

Russia Blocked WhatsApp For Over 100 Million Users Nationwide

WhatsApp has accused the Russian government of attempting a nationwide block on its messaging service to force over 100 million users onto a Kremlin-backed alternative riddled with surveillance risks.
cybersecuritynews.com cybersecuritynews.com
Click to expand...
 
  • Like
  • Wow
  • Applause
Reactions: Dave Russo, Zero Knowledge, Captain Awesome and 8 others
Last edited:
  • Like
  • Wow
  • HaHa
Reactions: Marko :), Sorrento and lokamoka820
Instead of WhatsApp, the Russian government is suggesting its citizens use the "national" alternative: MAX."MAX is an accessible alternative, a messaging app under development, a national app, and it's available on the market for citizens," stated Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.The Russian government emphasizes that MAX, which integrates access to various government services, is simple and improves citizens' lives. However, critics of the app denounce MAX as a surveillance tool."I think they're doing it for the good of their citizens.":ROFLMAO:
 
  • Wow
  • HaHa
Reactions: Sorrento and Parkinsond
Telegram works even in most oppressive regimes, so I doubt it's blocked. In order to block Telegram, you need to block entire AWS and Google which also means you blocked half the web. As I said, Russia did try it before, didn't have a good time. So I really doubt it's blocked. Might be slowed down, but definitely isn't blocked. Same goes for YouTube.

techcrunch.com

Russia's game of Telegram whack-a-mole grows to 19M blocked IPs, hitting Twitch, Spotify and more | TechCrunch

As the messaging app Telegram continues to try to evade Russian authorities by switching up its IP addresses, Russia's regulator Roskomnadzor (RKN) has
techcrunch.com techcrunch.com
 
  • Like
  • +Reputation
Reactions: Sorrento, Zero Knowledge and Parkinsond
I thought it was common knowledge that Telegram supplied and works with the .RU government with backdoor access?

Which is why I use it, not many countries have extradition, intelligence sharing or co-operation agreements with .RU.

The only danger is getting novachok in your underwear or pricked with a poisened toothpick which is why you stay away from politics on Telegram.
 
  • Wow
Reactions: Sorrento and Parkinsond
Zero Knowledge said:
I thought it was common knowledge that Telegram supplied and works with the .RU government with backdoor access?

Which is why I use it, not many countries have extradition, intelligence sharing or co-operation agreements with .RU.

The only danger is getting novachok in your underwear or pricked with a poisened toothpick which is why you stay away from politics on Telegram.
Click to expand...
Parkinsond said:
So why they are trying to block?
Click to expand...
Zero Knowledge said:
Good question, maybe ask your boss my comrade 🤪 I imagine they can read all messages but don't have control over who can use it and who can sign up.

They probably want total control which is why they launched MAX app.
Click to expand...
Telegram does not have a backdoor, but it did cooperate with Russian government before and still does to this day. Durov confirmed he got calls from Russia and Telegram complied with some Russian demands. This is why Russian government eventually got on Telegram and even Peskov admits he uses it daily, despite being "not recommended".

Why are they trying to block it now? Well, for the same reason China blocked foreign apps; they don't want some control, they want TOTAL control and this is something they simply don't get with Telegram.

Telegram was good because it worked with them until government eventually created their own app, and now they are trying to cease Telegram from existence in Russia. China did exactly the same.

I mean, Russia blocked Instagram and created Rossgram which is supposed to be exact copy, but Russians (including politicians) are still on Instagram because the their platform is unusable according to reviews. X is blocked in Russia, yet, entire government is on it and uses it daily. You can't find better example for hypocrisy.
 
Last edited:
  • +Reputation
Reactions: Parkinsond
lokamoka820 said:
I can't blame Russia or China these days for anything they do. No one respects international law, human rights, or freedoms anymore, so why should I blame them?
Click to expand...
Data is the most valuable commodity; all are seeking for, governments, corporates.
 
  • Like
Reactions: lokamoka820

You may also like...