Russia moved to “fully block” WhatsApp nationwide, Meta confirmed, escalating the Kremlin’s long-running effort to control digital communications. The Meta-owned messaging service, used by more than 100 million people in Russia, warned that the decision would undermine privacy and online safety, calling the move “a backwards step” for users in the country.
The action places WhatsApp alongside other major Western platforms that have been restricted or banned as Moscow tightens control over the information space amid its war in Ukraine.
What’s Happening With WhatsApp In Russia?
Russian authorities have begun restricting access to WhatsApp, following years of speculation that the service would be blocked. Facebook and Instagram, also owned by Meta,
have been officially banned in Russia since February 2022 and remain accessible only through virtual private networks (VPNs).
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov blamed Meta for what he described as a failure to comply with Russian law, suggesting the company could still avoid a full ban if it agreed to engage with regulators.
“If the Meta corporation fulfils this and enters into dialogue with Russian authorities, then we have the possibility of reaching an agreement,” Dmitry Peskov said, adding, “If the corporation sticks to an uncompromising position and shows itself unready to align with Russian legislation, then there is no chance.”
Meta has not indicated it plans to change its policies to meet Moscow’s demands.
Why Is Russia Blocking Encrypted Messaging Apps?
The crackdown extends beyond WhatsApp. This week, Russia also began restricting access to Telegram, despite the platform’s Russian origins and its founder Pavel Durov’s complex and often controversial relationship with the Kremlin.
“Russia is restricting access to Telegram to force its citizens onto a state-controlled app built for surveillance and political censorship,” Pavel Durov said, comparing the move to Iran’s unsuccessful attempt to push users off Telegram eight years ago.
What Does WhatsApp Ban Mean For Russian Users?
WhatsApp said, “Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backwards step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia.”
The restrictions leave Russian users with a stark choice: rely on government-monitored platforms or attempt to bypass blocks using VPNs.
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