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Russia has reportedly attempted to fully block WhatsApp, the popular messaging service owned by Meta Platforms, as part of its broader efforts to tighten control over the country’s digital space. According to a company spokesperson who spoke to Reuters on Wednesday, the move is seen as another step in Moscow’s campaign to promote domestic technology platforms and reduce reliance on foreign-owned apps.
The attempted WhatsApp ban comes amid escalating tensions between Russia and global tech companies following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, Russian authorities have intensified pressure on foreign platforms, accusing them of failing to comply with local laws, particularly regarding data sharing with law enforcement in cases involving fraud and terrorism.
Meta has criticized the action, describing it as an effort to push users toward a “state-owned surveillance app.” Russian officials are promoting a government-backed messaging platform called MAX as an alternative to WhatsApp. Critics argue that MAX could enable user tracking and increased state monitoring, though state media have rejected those claims as unfounded.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that WhatsApp could potentially return to the Russian market if Meta complies with Russian legislation and engages in dialogue with authorities. However, he emphasized that there would be “no chance” of an agreement if the company maintains what he described as an uncompromising stance.
Reports from the Financial Times indicate that Russian regulators have already removed WhatsApp from an online directory maintained by Roskomnadzor, the country’s communications watchdog. WhatsApp currently has an estimated 100 million users in Russia.
In recent months, Russia has also restricted certain services on WhatsApp and Telegram and blocked Apple’s FaceTime app, signaling a broader crackdown on foreign messaging platforms. Despite mounting pressure, Telegram founder Pavel Durov has reaffirmed his commitment to user privacy and freedom of speech.
