The instant messaging application “WhatsApp” in Russia faces the possibility of a heavy fine of more than 18 million rubles, equivalent to 377 thousand US dollars.
And the Russian agency “TASS” quoted a judicial source as saying that “WhatsApp” may be fined this amount for refusing to localize the data of its users in Russia, according to the current law in this country.
Localization of data means collecting and processing it in one country and keeping it in that country, but with the advancement of technology and the advent of cloud computing, this has become impossible.
The source said that the court received two protocols regarding WhatsApp, related to its initial refusal and then repeated refusals to localize the data of Russian users in Russia.
If WhatsApp is found guilty, the court will fine the instant messaging app.
In August last year, Russia fined WhatsApp more than $50,000 for refusing to localize the personal information of Russian users.
The Personal Data Law obliges Russian and foreign companies to store personal data of Russian citizens on Russian territory.
“WhatsApp” belongs to the family of the American company “Meta”, which includes “Facebook” and “Instagram”, and last March the Russian judiciary ordered the banning of these two applications under the pretext of “extremist activities”. From WhatsApp.”
Source: Lebanon Debate
