The Russian government has officially confirmed that it has blocked the messaging platform WhatsApp, citing the company’s failure to comply with local laws.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the decision to block the app had been made and implemented. He stated that WhatsApp did not meet Russian legal requirements, including rules that require companies to store Russian users’ data inside the country.
“As for the blocking of WhatsApp, such a decision was indeed made and implemented,” Peskov told reporters. He added that Russia now considers the domestic messaging service Max to be a suitable alternative for citizens.
Push Toward a Domestic Alternative
For several months, Russian authorities have been encouraging users to move to Max, a locally developed messaging app. Unlike WhatsApp, Max does not offer end-to-end encryption, meaning messages may not be fully private.
Digital rights activists have raised concerns that the app could allow greater state surveillance. Critics argue that the move is part of broader efforts by the Kremlin to increase control over online communication.
Russia has previously threatened or imposed restrictions on several foreign technology platforms for failing to follow its regulations. These include demands for data localization and content moderation rules.
WhatsApp Responds
WhatsApp, which is owned by US technology company Meta, said Russia was attempting to fully block the service in order to force users onto the state-backed platform.
In a public statement, the company described the move as a setback for digital privacy and secure communication. It said it would continue working to keep Russian users connected.
More than 100 million people in Russia are estimated to use WhatsApp, making it one of the country’s most popular messaging apps.
Growing Internet Restrictions
The ban comes amid increasing restrictions on internet platforms in Russia, especially since the start of the war in Ukraine. Human rights groups say the government has tightened control over digital spaces and cracked down on dissent.
Earlier this week, Russia’s internet regulator also announced phased restrictions on Telegram, claiming it had not fully complied with local regulations.
Observers say the blocking of WhatsApp marks another major step in Russia’s effort to limit foreign technology platforms and strengthen state control over online communication.
