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Brazil Judge Orders Phone Carriers To Block WhatsApp Message App (reuters.com)

Posted by msmash on from the what's-going-on dept.

A Brazilian judge has ordered wireless phone carriers to block access to Facebook's WhatsApp indefinitely, starting on Tuesday, the third such incident against the popular phone messaging app in eight months. Reuters report: The decision by Judge Daniela Barbosa Assuncao de Souza in the southeastern state of Rio de Janeiro applies to Brazil's five wireless carriers. The reason for the order was not known due to legal secrecy in an ongoing case, and will only be lifted once Facebook surrenders data, Souza's office said. Sao Paulo-based representatives at WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook Inc, as well as the Brazilian five carriers -- Telefonica Brasil SA, America Movil SAB's Claro, TIM Participacoes SA, Oi SA and Nextel Participacoes SA.

3 of 110 comments (clear)

  1. "The reason for the order was not known" by by+(1706743) · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I'm sure this doesn't have anything to do with it...

  2. Just plain extortion by randomErr · · Score: 3, Insightful

    My guess is that Brazilian authorities want personal information on a citizen from Facebook and Facebook will not comply. I hope the judge is ready for the repercussions of his decision. If this goes through I look for mass protests and the call for the removal of the judge. There is almost no way Facebook can't come out this smelling like a rose.

    --
    You say things that offend me and I can deal with it. Can you?
  3. Re:monkey business by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Probably not. Everyone knows you can run your apps over wifi. Blocking it at the carrier won't work. Now are they going to block ALL internet access? Good luck with that.

    --
    "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.