Russia has reportedly made attempts to implement a full blockage of WhatsApp within the country, according to a statement from the company. This action is part of an ongoing effort by the Kremlin to intensify controls over messaging applications.
Meta-owned WhatsApp indicated that this measure aims to redirect over 100 million of its users in Russia towards a “state-owned surveillance app.” This development follows similar actions by Russian regulators who have previously restricted access to Telegram, citing concerns over its security. It is estimated that Telegram has a user base comparable to WhatsApp in Russia.
Requests for comments from the Kremlin were not immediately answered by the BBC.
“Attempting to isolate more than 100 million users from private and secure communication represents a step backward and can only result in diminished safety for individuals in Russia,” WhatsApp stated. The company added, “We continue to exert every effort to maintain user connectivity.”
Russia’s communications oversight body, Roskomnadzor, has issued multiple warnings to WhatsApp, urging compliance with local legislation. Earlier this year, Tass Media, a state-owned news outlet, reported that WhatsApp was anticipated to face a permanent ban in the country by 2026.
Citing Meta’s designation as an extremist organization by Russia, an official, Andrei Svintsov, was quoted saying that “such harsh measures” are “absolutely justified.” Since this designation in 2022, Meta’s platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, have been inaccessible in Russia without the use of virtual private networks.
Moscow has actively promoted a state-developed communication platform named Max, encouraging its citizens to adopt it. This app has been compared to China’s WeChat in its function as a “super app,” integrating messaging services with government functions, though it notably lacks encryption.
Russia’s stated rationale for these measures is that both WhatsApp and Telegram have not complied with the legal requirement to store Russian users’ data within the country. Mandatory pre-installation of the Max app on all new devices sold in Russia has been in effect since 2025. Furthermore, public sector employees, educators, and students have been directed to utilize this platform.
Pavel Durov, the chief executive of Telegram and a businessman of Russian origin, suggested that the government’s restriction of access to his service is an attempt to compel citizens to use its own application for surveillance and political censorship. He drew a parallel to Iran’s similar strategy to ban Telegram and steer users toward a state-controlled alternative, noting that Iranian citizens have found ways to circumvent these restrictions.
“Restricting citizens’ freedom is never the right answer,” Durov commented online.