In a significant escalation of its digital controls, Russia has confirmed that it has blocked instant messaging platform WhatsApp and is urging citizens to shift to its state-supported Max app.
The move follows reports that authorities were also restricting access to Telegram, widely used across Russia by the military, senior officials, state media, and government bodies including the Kremlin and Roskomnadzor, the communications regulator.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Thursday that the action against WhatsApp was taken over alleged legal violations by its parent company.
“Max is an affordable alternative on the market for citizens, a developing national messenger. Regarding the blocking of WhatsApp, our authorities did indeed state that the decision was made and implemented due to the corporation’s unwillingness to comply with the law,” Peskov said.
WhatsApp is owned by Meta (META), which also owns Facebook and Instagram.
Earlier on Thursday, WhatsApp said the Russian government had “attempted to fully block WhatsApp.” The company described it as an effort to “drive people to a state-owned surveillance app.”
The statement added: “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.”
A media platform has contacted Meta to confirm whether WhatsApp is now fully blocked in Russia.
Some users reported being able to access WhatsApp via VPN services. However, the Kremlin has intensified its crackdown on VPNs, restricting access to 439 services. In September, a law banning the advertising of VPNs and other bypass tools came into force.
This is not the first restriction. In August 2025, Roskomnadzor limited video and voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram “in order to counter criminals.” WhatsApp accused Russia at the time of attempting to block access.
Russia has already banned Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Max, a homegrown messenger, is being pre-installed on all new devices. Designed like China’s WeChat, it combines messaging, calls, payments, and government services. Critics warn it has excessive tracking features and weak encryption safeguards.
On Tuesday, the government said it was restricting Telegram to protect citizens, accusing it of refusing to block “criminal and terrorist” content. Founder Pavel Durov responded that “Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy, no matter the pressure.”
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