Khaberni - "WhatsApp", owned by "Meta", announced that the Russian authorities attempted to completely block the app within the country, in a new step as part of the Kremlin's efforts to tighten restrictions on foreign messaging applications.
According to the British "BBC" network, WhatsApp stated that the move aims to push more than 100 million app users in Russia, towards using a "state-owned" messaging application, described as a tool for surveillance.
This comes after Russian regulators imposed additional restrictions on the "Telegram" app, citing security concerns. The number of Telegram users in Russia is estimated to be nearly equal to that of WhatsApp users.
Isolating Russians
In an official statement, WhatsApp said: "Attempting to isolate more than 100 million users from private and secure communication means represents a step backward, and will only reduce the level of security for people in Russia", affirming that it will continue to do everything possible to keep users connected.
The Russian telecommunications regulator "Roskomnadzor" has repeatedly warned WhatsApp to comply with local laws, while the official "Tass" agency earlier this year stated that it is expected that the app will be permanently blocked in Russia during 2026.
In his part, the Russian official Andrei Sventssov said: "Such stringent measures are completely justified", noting that Moscow has classified "Meta" as an extremist organization since 2022, which led to banning its applications such as "Facebook" and "Instagram".
Local applications
In response, Moscow has intensified its efforts to push citizens to use a state-developed communication platform called "Max", which resembles the Chinese "WeChat" application, as a comprehensive application combining messaging services and government services, but it does not provide encryption for messages.
The Russian authorities stated that "WhatsApp and Telegram refused to store Russian users' data inside the country, as required by law".
Since 2025, the government has mandated companies to pre-install the "Max" application on all new devices sold in Russia, and its use has been mandated for public sector employees, teachers, and students.
On his side, Telegram's CEO Pavel Durov accused the Russian authorities of restricting access to his platform, in an attempt to force citizens to use the government app for surveillance and political control purposes, noting that "restricting citizens' freedom is never the right solution".
