In a significant escalation of its ongoing campaign against foreign technology firms, the Russian government has officially blocked the U.S. messaging platform WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the decision, attributing it to Meta’s failure to adhere to local laws. He encouraged Russian citizens to consider MAX, a state-backed messaging service, as a viable alternative.
Peskov characterized MAX as “an accessible alternative” and emphasized its role as a developing national messenger. He stated, “MAX is available on the market for citizens as an alternative,” suggesting that it could meet the communication needs of the populace. However, critics have raised concerns about MAX, labeling it a potential surveillance tool, a claim that the authorities have categorically denied.
This move against WhatsApp culminates six months of mounting pressure on the platform, reflecting a broader strategy by Russian authorities to establish a “sovereign” communications infrastructure. This initiative aims to ensure that foreign-owned tech companies comply with local regulations or face exclusion from the market. Meta Russia has already been designated as an extremist organization, and WhatsApp has expressed its discontent regarding the government’s attempts to block its services entirely.
In a statement, WhatsApp criticized the Russian government’s actions, asserting, “Today the Russian government attempted to fully block WhatsApp in an effort to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app.” The company warned that isolating over 100 million users from secure communication could lead to increased risks for individuals in Russia.
As part of the restrictions, several domain names associated with WhatsApp have vanished from Russia’s national register, effectively severing the app’s connectivity within the country. Users can only access WhatsApp through virtual private networks (VPNs), complicating communication for many.
Restrictions on WhatsApp
The Russian government has been actively restricting various social media platforms, including Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, while promoting MAX. Authorities have dismissed allegations that MAX could be used for user tracking, asserting that the app integrates government services to enhance daily life for citizens.
Roskomnadzor, the state communications regulator, initiated restrictions on WhatsApp and similar services in August, citing the platforms’ failure to cooperate with law enforcement in cases related to fraud and terrorism. In December, the agency announced further measures to gradually restrict WhatsApp, accusing it of ongoing violations of Russian law and claiming it was being used to facilitate criminal activities.
Russian courts have consistently fined WhatsApp for not removing prohibited content, and the government has insisted that the company establish a local representative office in Russia to comply with regulations—a requirement that remains unmet. Since December, many users have resorted to VPNs to access WhatsApp, while others have begun exploring rival messaging apps, although platforms like Telegram are also facing scrutiny from the authorities for similar reasons.
