Russia moves to block WhatsApp, pushes state-backed rival

Russia has attempted to block Meta Platforms-owned WhatsApp in the country, the company said on Wednesday, as Moscow tightens control over foreign technology firms and promotes its own “national messenger.”

A WhatsApp spokesperson said the move was aimed at pushing users toward a “state-owned surveillance app.”

Russian authorities are ​pushing a state-backed WhatsApp rival called MAX, which critics allege could enable surveillance of users, although state media have dismissed those accusations as false.

“We continue to do everything can to keep users connected,” WhatsApp said in a comment.

WhatsApp has about 100 million users in Russia and 3 billion monthly users worldwide, according to the company.

In addition to blocking WhatsApp, Russian regulators imposed additional limits on access to Meta’s Facebook and Instagram platforms, as well as international media, including DW, the BBC and the Moscow Times. DW was labelled an “undesirable organization” by the Kremlin in 2025, is subject to a broadcast ban in Russia and was forced to close its Moscow bureau in 2022.

What did Russian authorities say?

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Meta could resume operations if it complies with Russian law and “enters into dialogue” with authorities.

“Then we have the possibility of reaching an agreement,” he said, adding that otherwise there is “no chance.”

Meanwhile, the Financial Times newspaper previously reported that authorities have removed the app from the equivalent of an online directory run by Russia’s communications regulator Roskomnadzor.

Kremlin vs. foreign tech firms

The messaging app dispute comes amid broader tensions between Moscow and foreign tech firms.

Russian authorities have previously restricted services on WhatsApp and other messaging apps, including Signal and Telegram, accusing them of failing to cooperate with fraud and terrorism investigations. In December, officials blocked Apple’s FaceTime video calling service. 

Wednesday’s development comes as Russian users of Telegram reported slow traffic and lagging downloads throughout Tuesday, with Roskomnadzor warning restrictions for failing to address earlier violations.

Telegram’s Russian-born founder Pavel Durov later said he was not going to bow to pressure from Russian authorities, writing the app “stands for freedom and privacy, no matter the pressure.”

Edited by: Sean Sinico