Russia has officially confirmed the blocking of the popular instant messaging app WhatsApp, redirecting its citizens to utilize the state-supported Max app. This development follows closely on the heels of the government’s recent restrictions on Telegram, another widely used messaging platform among various demographics, including military personnel, high-ranking officials, and state media outlets.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov addressed the media, stating that the decision to block WhatsApp stemmed from what he described as violations of the law by the app’s parent company, Meta. However, he did not provide specific details regarding these alleged infractions.
“Max is an affordable alternative on the market for citizens, a developing national messenger,” Peskov remarked. He emphasized that the decision to block WhatsApp was indeed implemented due to the corporation’s reluctance to comply with Russian regulations.
In response, WhatsApp issued a statement asserting that the Russian government had made attempts to completely block the app, characterizing this move as an effort to push users toward a state-owned surveillance alternative.
“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. We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected,” the statement read.
While some users in Russia reported that they could still access WhatsApp via VPN services, the Kremlin has intensified its crackdown on these tools, restricting access to 439 VPN services to prevent circumvention of state-imposed restrictions. A recent law has also come into effect, banning the advertising of VPNs and other means to bypass social media blocks.
This is not the first instance of Russia targeting WhatsApp; in August 2025, Roskomnadzor, the federal agency overseeing mass media, announced restrictions on video and voice calls through both WhatsApp and Telegram, citing the need to combat criminal activities. WhatsApp responded by accusing the Russian government of attempting to obstruct access for its users.
In addition to WhatsApp, Russia has already banned other major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and X. The Max app, a domestically developed messenger, is being pre-installed on all new devices as part of a broader initiative to supplant foreign applications.
Similar to China’s WeChat, Max is designed as an all-encompassing super-app that integrates messaging, calls, payments, and various services, allowing users to authenticate their identities for government platforms that provide public services. However, critics have voiced concerns regarding safety and privacy, pointing out that the app’s tracking capabilities may be excessive and that it lacks robust encryption.
On Tuesday, the Russian government announced further restrictions on Telegram, claiming these measures were necessary for the “protection of Russian citizens” and accusing the platform of failing to block content deemed “criminal and terrorist.” In a defiant response, Telegram’s founder Pavel Durov asserted that the attempts to restrict the app would ultimately be unsuccessful, affirming that “Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy, no matter the pressure.”
