Russia has attempted to fully block WhatsApp in the country, the company reported, as the Kremlin continues to tighten restrictions on messaging applications. Meta-owned WhatsApp highlighted that this move aims to redirect over 100 million of its users in Russia to a state-owned surveillance app. This crackdown follows further limitations on access to Telegram, which has a user base comparable to WhatsApp in Russia.
The Kremlin did not immediately respond to media inquiries regarding the decision. In its statement, WhatsApp criticized the isolation of such a large user base from private and secure messaging channels, asserting that it could jeopardize safety for individuals in Russia.
Russian regulators, specifically the communications watchdog Roskomnadzor, have consistently required WhatsApp to comply with local laws. Earlier this year, state media reported that WhatsApp could face permanent blockage by 2026, which reflects the state’s stringent measures against foreign communication platforms deemed non-compliant.
Moreover, Russian officials have justified these harsh measures due to Meta being designated as an extremist organization. Meanwhile, officials have actively promoted the Max app, a newly developed state messaging platform designed to combine services akin to China’s WeChat, although lacking encryption.
These developments illustrate a broader trend where countries like Iran have also attempted to restrict access to alternative messaging services in favor of state-controlled platforms. As the situation evolves, the implications for digital communication and privacy in Russia remain significant.
