Feb. 12 (UPI) -- Russia has attempted to block access to WhatsApp, the Meta-owned encrypted smartphone messaging application said, accusing the Kremlin of trying to force its citizens to use a state-owned service.
WhatsApp said the Russian attempt to block the service occurred Thursday.
"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 said in a brief statement in both English and Russian.
"We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected."
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