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Russia moves to block WhatsApp for millions of users
Russian authorities have launched an effort to completely restrict access to WhatsApp, the Meta-owned messaging platform, impacting over 100 million users in the country, the company confirmed on Thursday.
Kremlin demands compliance for reinstatement
Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Russian presidency, stated that WhatsApp could resume normal operations if it adheres to Russian legislation and engages in discussions with regulators. However, he warned that refusal to comply would leave the app with "no chance" of remaining accessible.
WhatsApp responded by affirming its commitment to maintaining connectivity for its users. "Attempting to cut off over 100 million people from private and secure communication is a regressive step that will only reduce safety for Russians," the company said in a statement.
Broader crackdown on messaging platforms
Russia's internet regulator, Roskomnadzor, announced earlier this week that it was further limiting access to Telegram, another widely used messaging service, citing security concerns. Telegram remains popular among Russian citizens and is extensively used by military personnel in Ukraine.
Pro-war bloggers have criticized the restrictions, arguing that they disrupt communications in conflict zones.
Legal justifications and extremist designation
Russian officials claim that both WhatsApp and Telegram have failed to comply with local data storage laws, which require user data to be held within the country. Andrei Svintsov, a Russian official, defended the measures as "absolutely justified," noting that Meta has been classified as an extremist organization since 2022.
Following this designation, platforms like Instagram and Facebook were blocked in Russia and are now only accessible via virtual private networks (VPNs).
State-controlled alternatives gain traction
The Russian government has been promoting its own communications platform, Max, as a replacement for banned apps. Critics argue that Max lacks end-to-end encryption, making it vulnerable to surveillance by authorities.
Since 2025, Max has been mandatory on all new devices sold in Russia. Public sector employees, educators, and students are also required to use the platform, which combines messaging with government services and has been compared to China's WeChat.
Digital rights concerns and global parallels
The digital rights group Na Svyazi (In Touch) reported that Russia has increasingly removed websites from the state-controlled National System of Domain Names (NSDI). Among the 13 platforms now missing from the directory are YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp Web, Instagram, the BBC, and Deutsche Welle. Without a VPN, these sites are inaccessible.
Pavel Durov, Telegram's CEO, accused Russian authorities of restricting access to his platform to force users onto state-controlled alternatives for surveillance and censorship. He drew parallels with Iran's unsuccessful attempt to ban Telegram in favor of a government-run app, noting that citizens often find workarounds.
"Restricting citizens' freedom is never the right answer," Durov wrote.
Outlook
State-run news agency Tass previously reported that WhatsApp was expected to face a permanent block in Russia by 2026. The latest moves suggest the Kremlin is accelerating its efforts to control digital communication within its borders.
