Russia has 'attempted to fully block' WhatsApp in the country, the company reported, as the Kremlin tightens restrictions on messaging services. Meta-owned WhatsApp claims this action is intended to push over 100 million users of its app in Russia toward a 'state-owned surveillance app.' This crackdown follows Russian regulators' recent actions limiting access to Telegram, which has a user base comparable to that of WhatsApp in the country.

WhatsApp emphasized that isolating users from private and secure communication could lead to greater risks for safety in Russia. The communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, has issued multiple warnings to WhatsApp to comply with local regulations. Reports earlier in the year suggested that the app could face permanent blocking in 2026. Officials have defended these 'harsh measures,' citing Meta's designation as an extremist organization and previous restrictions on its services, including Instagram and Facebook.

Moscow's strategy includes promoting a state-developed platform called Max, likened to China's WeChat, which merges messaging with government services but lacks encryption. Authorities have mandated that all new devices pre-install the Max app, and it has been required for certain public sector roles. Critics, including Telegram's CEO, argue that such actions are attempts to force citizens into a controlled communication environment, limiting their freedom.