Moscow: Russia on Thursday made a significant move to completely block WhatsApp, a maneuver aimed at steering users towards a state-owned surveillance application, as reported by Meta, the owner of the social media platform.
According to Anadolu Agency, Meta announced on US social media company X that the Russian government's attempt to isolate over 100 million users from secure communication represents a regressive step that may undermine the safety of users in Russia. The alternative being promoted is MAX, a state-developed 'super app' that integrates messaging with government services. Since 2025, Russian authorities have mandated that this app be pre-installed on all new devices sold within the country and required its use by public sector employees and students.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov communicated that WhatsApp could resume full service if it complies with Russian law, as reported by state news agency Tass. He stated that dialogue with Russian authorities and adherence to legislation could open the door for negotiation. However, he warned that if Meta continues to disregard Russian demands, the possibility of restoring service is unlikely.
Russia's concerns include the belief that WhatsApp is used to facilitate terrorist activities and is a tool for fraud and extortion against its citizens. Meanwhile, the Messenger domain has vanished from Russia's communications regulator (Roskomnadzor) National Domain Name System server, as reported by Kommersant newspaper. This has resulted in devices no longer receiving the messenger's IP address, requiring access through a VPN. Despite the removal of whatsapp.com and web.whatsapp.com from the NDNS, other domains like wa.me and whatsapp.net remain listed.
This development aligns with the Kremlin's efforts to create a distinct digital ecosystem separate from Western networks, a shift prompted by the war in Ukraine and ensuing Western sanctions. In 2022, Russian authorities classified Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, as a terrorist and extremist organization. Since 2019, platforms like X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube have been blocked in Russia for non-compliance with national legislation.