SAN FRANCISCO: WhatsApp said that Russia “attempted to fully block” the messaging app in the country to push users to a competing state-controlled service, potentially affecting 100 million people.
Moscow has been trying to nudge Russians to use a more tightly controlled domestic online service.
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It has threatened a host of internet platforms with forced slowdowns or outright bans if they do not comply with Russian laws, including those requiring data on Russian users to be stored inside the country.
“Today the Russian government attempted to fully block WhatsApp in an effort to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app,” WhatsApp posted on X.
“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,” WhatsApp added.
“We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected.”
Critics and rights campaigners say the Russian restrictions are a transparent attempt by the Kremlin to ramp up control and surveillance over internet use in Russia, amid a sweeping crackdown on dissent during the Ukraine offensive.
That latest developments came after Russia’s internet watchdog said Tuesday it would slap “phased restrictions” on the Telegram messaging platform, which it said had not complied with the laws.
Meanwhile, in MOSCOW, Russia is expected to supply Cuba with oil as part of a “humanitarian” effort, the pro-government Izvestia media outlet reported on Thursday.
Cuba is suffering its worst energy crisis in years, driven largely by the United States throttling supplies of Venezuelan oil.
Russia’s ministry of economic development told Izvestia daily that “as far as we know, Russia is expected to soon supply oil and petroleum products to Cuba as humanitarian aid”.
On Monday, the Kremlin, a traditional ally of Cuba, accused the United States of attempting to “suffocate” the island nation.
Already under US trade embargo for over 60 years, Cuba is struggling with fast-dwindling fuel stocks and taking drastic rationing measures, including preventing airlines from refuelling.
Several foreign airlines have dropped routes in response, while governments, including Russia’s, have called on their citizens to avoid travelling to the island until the issue is resolved.
On Wednesday, Russia’s federal aviation regulator Rosaviatsia said in a statement that difficulties refuelling had “forced” Rossiya Airlines and Nordwind Airlines to adjust their flight schedules to Cuba.
“Rossiya Airlines will operate a number of return flights only – from Havana and Varadero to Moscow – to ensure the evacuation of Russian tourists currently in Cuba,” it added.
Around 5,000 Russian tourists may still be on the island, Russia’s Association of Tour Operators said earlier this week.
