Russia Moves to Block WhatsApp, Promotes State-Backed Messaging App

Russia has attempted to block WhatsApp to push users toward its state-backed app MAX, which critics say could enable surveillance. WhatsApp, with 100 million Russian users, said it is working to keep people connected. Russian authorities have also restricted Facebook, Instagram, and international media like DW and the BBC. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Meta could resume operations if it complies with Russian law. Telegram founder Pavel Durov vowed to resist pressure, emphasizing the app’s commitment to privacy and freedom.

Russia has taken steps to block WhatsApp, a messaging platform owned by Meta Platforms, in the country, according to a statement from the company on Wednesday. This move is part of a broader effort by Moscow to tighten control over foreign technology firms operating within its borders, while simultaneously promoting its own domestic alternatives, sometimes referred to as “national messengers.” The step reflects the Russian government’s growing focus on digital sovereignty and its attempts to regulate the flow of information online.
A spokesperson for WhatsApp explained that the attempted block by Russian authorities appears to be aimed at encouraging users to migrate to a “state-owned surveillance app.” This aligns with Moscow’s broader strategy to prioritize homegrown technology that can be monitored or controlled more easily, a trend critics argue undermines privacy and freedom of expression for ordinary users.
The state-backed app in question, known as MAX, has been heavily promoted by Russian authorities as a domestic alternative to WhatsApp. However, some observers and critics have expressed concern that the app could be used to track users’ messages, locations, and other personal data. Russian state media, meanwhile, has dismissed these allegations, claiming that concerns about surveillance are unfounded and politically motivated.
In response to these developments, WhatsApp reassured its users, stating, “We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected.” The platform has a significant presence in Russia, with approximately 100 million users in the country. Globally, WhatsApp boasts around 3 billion monthly active users, making it one of the most widely used messaging applications in the world.
The restrictions on WhatsApp are part of a wider clampdown by Russian authorities on foreign platforms and international media outlets. Regulators have imposed additional limits on access to Meta’s Facebook and Instagram platforms. Furthermore, international media organizations such as DW, the BBC, and the Moscow Times have also faced increased scrutiny and restrictions. DW, in particular, has been labeled an “undesirable organization” by the Kremlin, which subjects it to a broadcast ban in Russia and effectively restricts its ability to operate freely within the country.
Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, addressed the situation, stating that Meta could potentially resume its operations in Russia if it complies with Russian laws and engages in dialogue with the relevant authorities. He said, “Then we have the possibility of reaching an agreement,” but also emphasized that, without such compliance, there is “no chance” for Meta to continue its services in the country.
Earlier reports from the Financial Times revealed that Russian authorities had also removed WhatsApp from the equivalent of an online directory maintained by Roskomnadzor, the country’s communications regulator. This action is part of a broader pattern of regulatory measures aimed at increasing government control over digital services.
The current dispute over messaging apps occurs against a backdrop of ongoing tensions between Moscow and foreign technology companies. Russian authorities have previously restricted access to WhatsApp as well as other messaging platforms, including Signal and Telegram, accusing these companies of failing to cooperate with investigations related to fraud, terrorism, and other criminal activities. In December, Russia took similar measures by blocking Apple’s FaceTime video calling service, citing concerns over compliance with local regulations.
The recent developments also coincide with reports of disruptions on Telegram, a messaging app founded by Russian-born entrepreneur Pavel Durov. On Tuesday, Russian users experienced slow traffic, delayed message deliveries, and difficulties downloading the app. Roskomnadzor indicated that these restrictions were a consequence of Telegram failing to address prior violations of Russian regulations.
In response to the pressure, Pavel Durov released a statement asserting that Telegram would not bow to governmental demands. He emphasized that the platform remains committed to the principles of privacy and freedom, declaring that the app “stands for freedom and privacy, no matter the pressure.” His remarks underscore the ongoing tension between tech companies advocating for user privacy and governments seeking greater control over online communications.
This latest episode highlights the increasingly complex environment for foreign technology firms operating in Russia, where regulatory, legal, and political pressures continue to intensify. It also raises broader questions about the balance between state security, regulatory compliance, and the rights of users to access global communication platforms without interference or surveillance.