Russia Tried To Fully Block The Messaging App, says WhatsApp

Russia has attempted to fully block WhatsApp in the country, the company said, the latest move in an ongoing government effort to tighten control over the internet . 

A WhatsApp spokesperson said late Wednesday that the Russian authorities' action was intended to “drive users to a state-owned surveillance app,” a reference to Russia's own



state-supported MAX messaging app that's seen by critics as a surveillance tool.

“Trying to isolate over 100 million people from private and secure communication is a backwards step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia,” the WhatsApp spokesperson said. 

"We continue to do everything we can to keep people connected.”