WhatsApp has announced that Russia is attempting to limit access to their messenger service by demanding access to encrypted messages. WhatsApp representatives emphasize that end-to-end encryption safeguards users' rights to private communication, which has sparked resistance from Russian authorities.

It is worth noting that Russia has begun restricting calls on Telegram and WhatsApp, accusing these platforms of refusing to cooperate with law enforcement on issues related to fraud and terrorism.

WhatsApp confirmed that it will continue to work on maintaining access to encrypted communications for users worldwide, including in Russia. As reported by Reuters, Telegram responded by stating that their moderators, using AI, remove millions of harmful messages daily and are actively combating fraud and calls to violence.

Conflicts between Russia and foreign tech companies have been ongoing for several years, and after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the country's authorities intensified their control over the internet space.