In brief
Russia has taken steps to block WhatsApp as part of a broader effort to regulate messaging services within the country. The Kremlin is pushing users towards a state-owned app, citing security concerns. This action is part of a series of restrictions targeting major messaging platforms like Telegram. WhatsApp's representatives criticized the move, believing it compromises the safety of users.
Russia has attempted to fully block WhatsApp in the country, the company said, as the Kremlin continues to tighten restrictions on messaging apps.
Meta-owned WhatsApp said the move aims to push more than 100 million of its app users in Russia to a state-owned surveillance app. This comes after Russian regulators further curbed access to Telegram, citing a lack of security. Telegram is estimated to have as many users as WhatsApp in Russia.
The Kremlin did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the BBC.
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, said WhatsApp in a statement.
Russia's communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, has made repeated warnings to WhatsApp to comply with local law. State-owned Tass Media reported earlier this year that WhatsApp is expected to be permanently blocked in the country in 2026.
Russian officials have justified such measures due to the designation of Meta as an extremist organization, and they accuse WhatsApp and Telegram of failing to store Russian users' data locally.
Moscow has introduced a state-developed communications platform named Max, which has been compared to China's WeChat, integrating messaging with government services but lacking encryption. Public sector employees and students are required to use this platform, and it is mandated to be pre-installed on new devices sold within the country.
Telegram's CEO highlighted the state's agenda of political censorship and surveillance urging citizens to reject restrictions on their freedoms.
