Russian telecom watchdog says not restricting WhatsApp operations in Russia

MOSCOW. Oct 25 (Interfax) - The Russian telecommunications watchdog Roskomnadzor has said it has not restricted the operations of the WhatsApp online messenger in the country, amid reports on malfunctions in its work on Tuesday.

"Malfunctions in the messenger's operations have been observed in multiple countries. Analogous massive malfunctions of services by Meta, designated as an extremist organization in Russia, have been observed on numerous occasions, including in October last year and in March this year," Roskomnadzor said in reply to a request from Interfax.

Users around the world, including Russia, reported disruptions in WhatsApp's operations earlier on Tuesday. The service has resumed its normal operations now.