Where Popular Apps Are Under Assault

Last Thursday, Russia’s communications regulator Roskomnadzor started to enforce a proposed block on LinkedIn after a court ruling found the social network guilty of violating a data storage law. LinkedIn has approximately 6 million Russian users and it has become the first major social network to be blocked in the country.

According to independent watchdog organization Freedom House, internet freedom has declined for the sixth consecutive year with more governments than ever clamping down on social media and communication apps in order to prevent quick communication and anti-government protest.

LinkedIn certainly isn't the only social network under assault across the world. Freedom House reported that among popular apps, WhatsApp is blocked in twelve countries while Facebook access has been cut off in eight. Twitter is also banned by seven nations. Users of these apps have also been the subject of the authorities' wrath and arrested for posting political, social or religious content. Facebook users have been arrested in 27 countries, while Whatsapp users have been targeted by the authorities in eleven nations.