Russia has "attempted to fully block" Meta Platforms-owned WhatsApp in the country, the company said, as the Kremlin continues to tighten restrictions
on messaging apps. WhatsApp said the move aims to push more than 100 million of its app users in Russia to a "state-owned surveillance app". Earlier, Russian regulators had curbed access to Telegram, citing a lack of security. In Russia, Telegram is estimated to have as many users as WhatsApp in Russia. The Russian authorities are reportedly pushing a state-backed app 'MAX'. Critics suggest that the application could be used to track users, a claim dismissed by the state as false. "Today the Russian government attempted to fully block WhatsApp in an effort to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app. 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. We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected," WhatsApp said in a post on X.
The move is aimed at promoting home-grown platforms and seeks greater control over its internet space, a company spokesperson had told Reuters on Wednesday.
When asked if WhatsApp would return in Russia, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told TASS, "This is again a question of fulfilling the legislation. If the Meta corporation fulfils this and enters into dialogue with Russian authorities, then we have the possibility of reaching an agreement." "If the corporation (Meta) sticks to an uncompromising position and, I would say, shows itself unready to align with Russian legislation, then there is no chance," he added.
In the past, Roskomnadzor, Russia's communications regulator, had made repeated warnings to WhatsApp to comply with local law. TASS had reported earlier this year that WhatsApp is expected to be permanently blocked in the country in 2026.
Last year, Russia began limiting some calls on WhatsApp and messaging service Telegram, accusing foreign-owned platforms of refusing to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases. It also blocked Apple's video-calling app FaceTime in December. Russia has been at odds with several foreign media platforms, especially Meta, since 2022.
