Russia has attempted to fully block WhatsApp in the country, according to the Meta-owned company, in what it describes as an effort to push more than 100 million users toward a state-developed messaging app.
WhatsApp said the move is aimed at steering users to “a state-owned surveillance app,” as the Kremlin tightens control over digital communications.
The development follows further restrictions on Telegram, which Russian regulators claim lacks sufficient security compliance. Telegram is believed to have a user base in Russia comparable to WhatsApp.
Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, has repeatedly warned WhatsApp to comply with local data storage laws. State media outlet Tass previously reported that WhatsApp could face a permanent ban in 2026.
Russian officials argue that the measures are justified because Meta was designated an extremist organization in 2022. Since then, Instagram and Facebook have been blocked in Russia and are accessible only via VPNs.
Authorities have been promoting a state-developed app called Max, often compared to China’s WeChat. The platform combines messaging and government services but reportedly lacks end-to-end encryption.
Since 2025, Max has been mandated for pre-installation on all new devices sold in Russia, with public sector workers, teachers, and students required to use it.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has accused Russian authorities of restricting access to independent platforms in an effort to enforce surveillance and political censorship. He warned that limiting digital freedoms undermines citizens’ rights, adding, “Restricting citizens’ freedom is never the right answer.”
WhatsApp says it will continue efforts to keep Russian users connected despite the growing restrictions.
Credit: Nairametrics
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