Russia Weighs Full Ban on WhatsApp, Pressures Users to Use Local Messaging Apps, Russia Tells Citizens as it Mulls WhatsApp Ban
Russian authorities on Friday signalled the possibility of imposing a total ban on WhatsApp, alleging that the platform has failed to meet the country’s regulatory requirements aimed at curbing criminal activity.
The announcement came from state communications regulator Roskomnadzor, which warned that Meta-owned WhatsApp could be blocked nationwide if it does not fully comply with Russian laws governing data access and cooperation with security agencies.
“If the messenger refuses to meet the obligations set out in Russian legislation, it will face a complete shutdown,” the agency declared, urging citizens to migrate to Russia-made applications instead. Meta responded sharply, saying the Kremlin’s stance reflected its ongoing attempt “to undermine people’s right to private, secure communication,” and that WhatsApp was being targeted because it resists government-backed intrusion.
Russia has already restricted some functions on the platform: in August, authorities disabled WhatsApp call services, part of a sweeping clampdown on Western social media platforms that observers say is intended to tighten state control over digital spaces.
WhatsApp remains one of Russia’s most widely used messaging services, sharing the top spot with Telegram. Moscow, however, has repeatedly insisted that both platforms must provide user data to law enforcement agencies on request, particularly for fraud investigations and cases it labels as “terrorism-related.”
In its push for digital sovereignty, the government has been promoting Max—a homegrown messaging application without end-to-end encryption.
The app has been mandated for pre-installation on all new smartphones and tablets sold in the country.
Human rights organisations warn that these measures could pave the way for widespread surveillance and be leveraged to silence dissent, especially critics of President Vladimir Putin and those opposed to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
