Russia Blocks WhatsApp Amid Telegram Restrictions

Russia's Efforts to Control Digital Communication

Russia has reportedly attempted to "fully block" access to the WhatsApp messaging app within its borders, according to a statement from the company. This move is part of a broader effort by the Russian government to exert greater control over the internet landscape in the country. In addition to targeting WhatsApp, Moscow has been promoting its own state-backed messaging platform, Max, which WhatsApp has criticized as "a state-owned surveillance app."

In response to these developments, the Meta-run messenger expressed concerns about the implications for users. "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," the company stated on social media. The statement highlights the potential risks associated with limiting access to encrypted communication tools.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, several Meta platforms have been officially banned in the country. Facebook and Instagram are now accessible only through virtual private networks (VPNs). For years, there have been persistent reports that WhatsApp could be the next target of Kremlin restrictions, dating back to the start of the war.

The Russian government has been vocal in its demands for compliance from foreign tech companies. The Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, stated that Meta was being blamed for failing to meet regulations governing WhatsApp's operations in Russia. "This is again a question of fulfilling the legislation," Peskov said, urging Meta to engage in negotiations with Russian officials or face potential blocking.

"If the Meta corporation fulfils this and enters into dialogue with Russian authorities, then we have the possibility of reaching an agreement," he added. However, if the company refuses to comply, there would be no chance of avoiding restrictions.

Expansion of Restrictions to Other Platforms

In recent weeks, Moscow has also begun restricting access to the Telegram messaging app, as confirmed by the platform's founder, Pavel Durov. He accused the Russian government of attempting to force citizens toward a state-controlled app designed for surveillance and political censorship. "This authoritarian move won’t change our course. Telegram stands for freedom and privacy, no matter the pressure," Durov stated.

He drew comparisons between current restrictions in Russia and the situation in Iran eight years ago, where the government tried a similar strategy but ultimately failed. "Iran tried the same strategy — and failed. It banned Telegram on made-up pretexts, trying to force people onto a state-run alternative."

Despite his critical stance, Durov has maintained a controversial relationship with the Kremlin. He left Russia for Dubai in 2014 after refusing to shut down opposition communities on his VK social media platform and hand over user data. However, there have been indications of possible reconciliation with the Russian government in recent years. A journalistic investigation revealed that Durov visited Russia over 50 times between 2015 and 2021.

In August 2024, Durov was detained in France as part of a probe into criminal activity on Telegram, leading to a complex situation regarding his neutrality.

Russia's Broader Internet Control Strategy

The Russian government has long argued that foreign tech firms, including those behind WhatsApp and Telegram, have refused to store Russian users' data within the country as required by law. Since 2025, Russian authorities have mandated that the domestically developed Max app must be pre-installed on all new devices sold in the country. Public sector employees, teachers, and students have been required to use the platform.

The push for greater control began earlier with the introduction of the Data Localisation Law in 2015, one year after Russia’s initial invasion of Ukraine. This law requires all companies, including foreign ones, to store and process the personal data of Russian users on servers physically located within Russia.

Following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin further tightened its regulations. From 1 January 2026, all internet services are required to store user messages for three years and provide them to security agencies upon request. This regulation applies to all forms of user messages, including audio, video, text, and metadata, even if the user has deleted them.