WhatsApp blocked in Russia. Moscow: does not respect our laws

Messaging app WhatsApp has denounced an attempt by Russian authorities to block its operation in order to force users to migrate to a competing state-controlled service, calling it a 'step backwards'. "The Russian government attempted to completely block WhatsApp in order to push people towards a state-owned surveillance app," the US group's subsidiary Meta said. The Russian regulator had already imposed restrictions on the Telegram app this week, the latest step in a wider crackdown on foreign-based social networks.

"Attempting to deprive over 100 million users of private and secure communications is a step backwards that can only reduce the safety of people in Russia," the messaging service added. "We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected," it continued. The authorities are encouraging Russians to use Max, a new but currently much less popular messaging app promoted by Moscow. Offered by Russian social media giant Vk since 2025, Max looks like a super-app that provides access to both government services and online stores. Last summer, Russia had already banned users from making calls on Telegram and WhatsApp. Scams via messaging apps are very common in Russia. The authorities also accuse Kiev of recruiting Russians through these apps to commit acts of sabotage in exchange for money.

Moscow says that WhatsApp will be unblocked in Russia if Meta complies with 'Russian laws' and shows 'willingness to dialogue'. "This is a matter of compliance with Russian laws. If Meta complies, it will start a dialogue with the Russian authorities and then there will be an opportunity to reach an agreement," Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the Tass news agency. If the US company continues to ignore Russia's demands, there will be no chance of restoring service, Moscow stressed. "If it continues to cling to its intransigent stance and demonstrate its absolute unwillingness to comply with Russian laws, then there will be no chance," Peskov explained. Russia's telecom regulator confirmed to Tass that it has taken measures to slow down WhatsApp due to violations of Russian laws. It claims that the messaging service is used to organise and carry out terrorist activities in the country and is also one of the main services used to defraud and extort money from citizens.