Watchdog says may block WhatsApp for banned info in channels

MOSCOW, Sep 14 (PRIME) -- The Russian communications service will request that WhatsApp delete unfriendly channels with banned information otherwise the application will be muted in the country, a watchdog spokesperson told PRIME on Thursday.

“The requirements of the Russian law apply to all the companies, including messengers and social networks that work in our country and service Russian users. The implementation of the measures for ignoring of the laws of Russia depends directly on administrations of such companies and the decisions they make,” the spokesperson said.

The authority recommended Russian companies and users to switch to national services that work in the country’s jurisdiction and respect the local laws.

WhatsApp, part of U.S. tech giant Meta, which is designated as extremist in Russia, launched channels for users on Wednesday in more than 150 countries.

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