In some regions of Russia, the popular messenger is starting to slow down.
However, the authorities assure that there are no plans to block WhatsApp* yet.
Deputy Anton Nemkin explained the situation in a comment toRIA Novosti .
In some regions of the Russian Federation, the practice of slowing down the messenger's operation is already being used.
For example, this was the case in Dagestan during the terrorist attacks on churches, synagogues and traffic police posts.
The decision to slow down WhatsApp* is made by the regulator. There must be compelling reasons for this.
“Slowing down its work is already being applied in certain regions when the regulator sees a need for it,” the parliamentarian emphasized.
Such a reason, for example, could be the anti-terrorist activities of relevant agencies, Nemkin specified.
However, the deputy emphasized that there are no plans to completely block WhatsApp* in Russia at this time.
Today, it can be slowed down by decision of the regulator in certain regions of Russia.
The number of WhatsApp* users in Russia is estimated at more than 80 million people. Telegram is considered the service's closest competitor.
*belongs to Meta Platforms, Inc., whose activities are recognized as extremist in Russia and are prohibited.
