Russia Blocks WhatsApp Messenger

The Russian government has announced that it has completely blocked the WhatsApp Messenger app owned by Meta. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that this decision was made because Meta refused to comply with Russian laws. He mentioned that instead of WhatsApp, the public can use the nationally supported messenger app called “MAX.” The MAX app is introduced as a “national alternative” and is already available in the market for Russian citizens, he added.

This decision is seen as the final step in the pressure applied on WhatsApp over nearly six months. Russian authorities say that foreign tech companies must comply with Russian laws; otherwise, they will not be allowed to operate within the country.

Meta issued a statement calling the blocking of private and secure communication for over 100 million users in Russia a harmful move that would reduce public safety. Several domains associated with WhatsApp have been removed from the Russian national domain registry, effectively blocking direct access to WhatsApp services within Russia. Currently, it can only be accessed via VPN services. Critics argue that the MAX app could be a tool that makes it easier for authorities to monitor user data. However, Russian officials reject these allegations, asserting that it is a secure and trustworthy national system.

This is considered a major effort to enhance Russia’s “digital sovereignty.” Over the past few years, other Meta services such as Facebook and Instagram have also been restricted in Russia. Public reactions in Moscow are mixed; some approve of the decision, while others criticize it as a restriction on personal freedom. Analysts suggest that this blockade will have a significant impact on Russia’s technological environment and social media usage.