In Dagestan, there have been reports of problems with access to Internet services, with interruptions in the work of the WhatsApp messenger noted since July 7, 2023. Users have reported significant delays when sending messages. Some Internet providers in Dagestan have blocked messengers and social networks, requiring the use of VPN for access. However, even when VPN is turned on for stable operation, periodic recovery is necessary every approximately 10 minutes.
According to TASS, citing a source, relevant departments in the republic have taken measures to slow down WhatsApp due to the distribution of calls to participate in extremist actions on the messaging platform. Authorities in Dagestan had previously sent requests to the WhatsApp administration, demanding the halt of messages containing calls to extremist actions. However, these demands were reportedly ignored by the messenger’s administration.
On June 23, a series of terrorist attacks targeted two churches, two synagogues, and a traffic police post in Makhachkala and Derbent. The attacks resulted in the deaths of 16 law enforcement officials and left 45 people injured.