Russia Moves to Block WhatsApp, Pushes State Messaging App

Russia has ordered a block on WhatsApp, with the Kremlin citing parent company Meta’s refusal to comply with Russian law. Officials told BBC News they could ease the restriction if Meta agrees to follow local rules and enter talks. The move follows earlier attempts to slow WhatsApp’s performance and comes after Facebook and Instagram were already removed from the country’s internet directory.

In a post on X, WhatsApp said the decision is part of a broader push to steer users toward Max, a state-backed messaging app promoted as Russia’s “national messenger” since 2025 and owned by VKontakte. WhatsApp accused the government of trying to cut more than 100 million users off from private, secure communication, calling the block a step backward for user safety. Regulator Roskomnadzor also announced tighter controls on Telegram, citing security concerns.