Russia Blocks WhatsApp in Continued Social Media Crackdown
Russia has confirmed the blocking of the popular messaging platform WhatsApp, urging citizens to switch to the state-backed Max app instead. This action follows recent restrictions imposed on Telegram, another widely used messaging service in the country.
Official Statements and Legal Justifications
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced on Thursday, February 12, that WhatsApp was blocked due to alleged legal violations by its parent company, though no specific details were provided. "Max is an affordable alternative on the market for citizens, a developing national messenger," Peskov stated. "Regarding the blocking of WhatsApp, our authorities did indeed state that the decision was made and implemented due to the corporation’s unwillingness to comply with the law."
WhatsApp, owned by Meta—which also operates Facebook and Instagram, both already banned in Russia—responded by claiming the Russian government had "attempted to fully block" the platform. The company described this as an effort to push users toward "a state-owned surveillance app," warning that isolating over 100 million users could compromise safety.
Background and Previous Actions
This is not the first time Russia has targeted WhatsApp. In August 2025, Roskomnadzor, the communications regulator, imposed restrictions on video and voice calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, citing the need to counter criminal activity. At that time, WhatsApp accused Moscow of attempting to limit access for Russian users.
Telegram, which is popular among millions, including military personnel, senior officials, and government bodies, faced restrictions earlier this week. Authorities claimed the platform refused to remove content deemed "criminal and terrorist." Telegram founder Pavel Durov responded by asserting that "Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy, no matter the pressure."
The Rise of the Max App
The Max app, developed domestically, is being pre-installed on new devices as part of a broader strategy to replace foreign digital platforms. Designed as an all-in-one "super-app" similar to China’s WeChat, Max combines:
- Messaging, voice, and video calls
- Payments and access to government services
- Identity authentication for public service platforms
This move aligns with Russia’s efforts to promote national alternatives and reduce reliance on international tech companies.
User Responses and VPN Crackdown
Some users reported accessing WhatsApp through virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass the block. However, Russian authorities have intensified efforts to curb VPN usage, restricting access to hundreds of VPN services. A law enacted in September also bans advertising tools that allow users to bypass state-imposed internet blocks, further tightening control over online activities.
The ongoing crackdown reflects Russia’s broader digital sovereignty policies, aiming to regulate and monitor online communications while fostering domestic technological development.
