Russia says it has blocked WhatsApp amid wider clampdown on social media

In a significant move, Russia has officially blocked the popular messaging application WhatsApp, urging its citizens to transition to the state-supported Max app instead. This decision comes shortly after reports surfaced about the government's restrictions on Telegram, another widely used messaging platform among millions, including military personnel and government officials. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov addressed the media, stating that the ban on WhatsApp stemmed from what he termed as violations by the app's parent company, Meta. He emphasized that Max offers an economical alternative for citizens, positioning it as a developing national messenger. "The decision to block WhatsApp was indeed made due to the corporation’s noncompliance with our laws," Peskov asserted. WhatsApp, owned by Meta, responded by accusing the Russian government of attempting to fully restrict access to the app. In their statement, they criticized the efforts as a means to push users towards a state-run surveillance application. They stressed the risks involved in isolating over 100 million users from secure communication, labeling it a regressive step that could compromise safety for many in Russia. Reports indicate that some users in Russia have still managed to access WhatsApp via VPNs, though the Kremlin has intensified its crackdown on such services, limiting access to numerous VPN providers to prevent circumvention of state-imposed barriers. A new law prohibiting the advertising of VPNs took effect in September, highlighting the government's tightening grip on digital communication. This isn’t the first instance of Russia targeting WhatsApp. In August 2025, the federal agency Roskomnadzor announced restrictions on its voice and video calling features, citing the need to counter criminal activity. Critics have raised alarms regarding the safety and privacy implications of Max, which is designed to function similarly to China's WeChat, integrating messaging, calls, and payment functions while allowing users to authenticate their identities for government services. Moreover, the Russian government’s recent decision to limit access to Telegram was framed as a protective measure for its citizens, with officials accusing the platform of failing to eliminate content deemed to be criminal or terrorist in nature. Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, publicly stated that the government's efforts to restrict the service would ultimately be unsuccessful, reiterating the platform's commitment to safeguarding freedom of speech and privacy despite external pressures.