Vladimir Putin’s Russia blocked WhatsApp on Thursday for failing to comply with local law, the Kremlin said. “Due to Meta’s unwillingness to comply with Russian law, such a decision was indeed made and implemented,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. He also proposed Russians to switch to MAX, Russia’s state-owned messenger.
What did WhatsApp say?
This development signals a move to tighten control over online communication in the country. WhatsApp said earlier that Russia has “attempted to fully block” its service, and this would affect more than 100 million users. The company said the move is aimed at forcing people to shift to a state-owned messaging app that critics describe as a surveillance tool.
WhatsApp said it is doing everything possible to keep users connected. In a statement, the company warned that cutting off millions from secure communication is a “backwards step” that could reduce safety for people in Russia. However, Russian authorities appear determined to limit access to foreign messaging platforms.
What Russia really wants?
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier said Meta could resume operations in Russia only if it complies with local laws and enters into dialogue with authorities. He added that Meta stands “no chance” if it refuses to do so. Russia has long accused WhatsApp and Telegram of failing to store Russian users’ data within the country, which is required under Russian law.
At the same time, Russia’s internet regulator Roskomnadzor has also increased restrictions on Telegram, citing security concerns. Telegram is widely used in Russia.
Russian official Andrei Svintsov said such tough steps are justified because Russia has labeled Meta an extremist organisation. Since that designation in 2022, Meta platforms like Facebook and Instagram have been blocked and are only accessible through virtual private networks.
