WhatsApp, the messaging service owned by the American tech company Meta, continues to operate in Russia for now. In an interview with TASS, Maksut Shadayev, the head of the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, conveyed assurance that the service would keep functioning in the country. He emphasized that, despite global concerns, the platform should remain accessible for Russian users at this time. [Citation: TASS]
The ministry’s stance mirrors a broader expectation that the app will maintain its presence, even as officials monitor developments in the country’s digital landscape. While no permanent decision has been announced, the impression given is one of cautious optimism that WhatsApp will be able to serve its user base without immediate disruption. [Citation: TASS]
Roskomnadzor, Russia’s communications regulator, has warned that WhatsApp could be blocked if prohibited information appears on its channels. This signals a potential for future action should content on the platform violate local rules or pose risks deemed unacceptable by authorities. [Citation: Roskomnadzor]
Meta announced the rollout of WhatsApp channels on the evening of September 13, 2023, describing a plan to extend the feature to more than 150 countries, with Russia among those slated to gain access in the coming months. The move was framed as part of Meta’s broader strategy to expand channel-based communication across its platforms, providing users with new ways to connect and receive information. [Citation: Meta announcements]
Shortly after the release, senior lawmakers in Russia began weighing the official stance on WhatsApp’s operation and potential blocking within the federation. Anton Gorelkin, the First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Information Policy Committee, indicated that a formal review of the country’s position would take place, a development later supported by Alexander Khinshtein, the committee’s chairman. [Citation: State Duma]
Previously, members of Russia’s upper house suggested that WhatsApp channels could pose threats to Russians’ information security. That line of thinking reflects ongoing regulatory scrutiny as authorities evaluate the balance between open communication tools and public safety concerns. [Citation: Federation Council]