Russian authorities have ordered a block on WhatsApp, marking an escalation in the Kremlin’s campaign to restrict access to foreign messaging services and redirect users towards state-controlled alternatives.
The Meta-owned platform stated that the measure appeared designed to push more than 100 million Russian users towards a “state-owned surveillance app”. Moscow maintains that the decision stems from Meta’s failure to comply with Russian legal requirements.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov informed the BBC that the action was taken “due to [Meta’s] unwillingness to comply with the norms and the letter of Russian law”. He suggested that Meta could resume operations if it “complies with [the law] and enters into dialogue”.
When questioned about whether authorities sought to compel Russians to adopt the state-developed Max application, Peskov described the “national messenger [as an] available alternative” for Russian citizens.
Russian internet regulator Roskomnadzor announced this week that it would further restrict access to Telegram, citing security concerns. The decision has drawn criticism from pro-war bloggers who claim it impedes communications for Russian forces operating in Ukraine, where Telegram enjoys widespread usage.
The development of domestic alternatives to the global internet predates Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, though efforts have intensified during the conflict. Russian authorities have promoted the state-backed Max platform through television advertisements, billboards, local officials and state media.
Critics allege that Max could facilitate surveillance by Russian authorities, accusations which state media have disputed. Moscow contends that both WhatsApp and Telegram have refused to store Russian users’ data within the country as mandated by law. Authorities also claim that WhatsApp serves as a primary channel for fraud and extortion targeting Russian citizens.
In a statement, WhatsApp emphasised its efforts to maintain connectivity for users. “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 company stated.
State-run news agency Tass reported earlier this year that WhatsApp was anticipated to face a permanent block in 2026. Russian official Andrei Svintsov described “such harsh measures” as “absolutely justified” given Russia’s designation of Meta as an extremist organisation.
WhatsApp previously held the position of Russia’s most popular messaging service. Since Meta received the extremist label in 2022, its applications including Instagram and Facebook have been blocked in Russia, remaining accessible only through virtual private networks. Russians are not prohibited from using Meta products.
Digital rights project Na Svyazi (In Touch) has documented Russia’s increasing removal of websites from the state-run internet address directory controlled by Roskomnadzor. The organisation reported that 13 popular resources had been removed from the National System of Domain Names, including YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp web, Instagram, the BBC and Deutsche Welle. Removal from the directory renders sites inaccessible without a VPN.
Moscow has undertaken extensive efforts to promote its state-developed Max application, which critics contend lacks end-to-end encryption and could therefore be accessible to authorities. The application has been compared to China’s WeChat, a so-called “super app” that integrates messaging and government services.
Since 2025, authorities have mandated the pre-installation of Max on all new devices sold in Russia. Reports indicate that public sector employees, teachers and students face growing requirements to utilise the platform.
Telegram chief executive Pavel Durov, a Russian-born entrepreneur, asserted that the state was restricting access to his service in an attempt to force citizens towards its own application for surveillance and political censorship purposes. He noted that Iran had attempted a similar strategy to ban Telegram and promote a state-run alternative, though citizens found methods to circumvent the restrictions.
“Restricting citizens’ freedom is never the right answer,” Durov stated.
