Russia Intensifies Crackdown on Messaging Apps, Fully Blocks WhatsApp
The Russian government has moved to fully block WhatsApp, escalating its efforts to control online communication and steer citizens toward domestically developed alternatives. The move, announced by WhatsApp itself, represents a significant step in Russia’s ongoing campaign to exert greater influence over the digital landscape.
WhatsApp characterized the blocking as a “backwards step” that “can only lead to less safety for people in Russia,” but affirmed its commitment to maintaining connectivity for its users within the country “doing everything it can to keep them connected.”
According to Russian media reports, the country’s internet regulator, Roskomnadzor, recently removed the domains whatsapp.com and web.whatsapp.com from the national Domain Name System (DNS). This action initially limited access to WhatsApp services to users employing Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or alternative DNS resolvers. The current measures, however, appear to be more comprehensive, aiming for a complete blockage of the platform.
The escalation against WhatsApp follows a pattern of increasing restrictions. Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, was designated as an “extremist” organization in Russia in 2022. Prior to the full block, Roskomnadzor began throttling voice and video calls on WhatsApp in August 2025, and attempted to prevent new user registrations in October 2025.
Despite the crackdown, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated a willingness to reconsider the ban if Meta were to comply with Russian legislation. This suggests the core issue isn’t simply the use of WhatsApp, but rather Meta’s refusal to store Russian users’ data within the country, a requirement stipulated by Russian law.
Telegram Also Targeted
The action against WhatsApp is not isolated. Russia has simultaneously increased pressure on Telegram, reportedly aggressively throttling the messaging app earlier this week. This coordinated effort suggests a broader strategy to limit access to encrypted messaging platforms popular among citizens and, reportedly, used by Russian forces in Ukraine.
Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, responded to the throttling by stating that Russia is attempting to encourage citizens to adopt MAX, a state-controlled messaging application. MAX, developed by VK, became mandatory on all electronic devices sold in Russia starting in September 2025.
Concerns Surrounding MAX
While promoted as a secure platform designed to protect national communications from foreign surveillance, MAX has drawn criticism from independent reviewers. Concerns have been raised regarding potential encryption weaknesses, the possibility of government access to user data, and extensive data collection practices. These concerns cast a shadow over the Kremlin’s stated rationale for promoting the app as a secure alternative.
The push for MAX reflects a broader trend in Russia towards developing and promoting domestic alternatives to popular Western-owned internet services. This initiative, accelerated since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology and increase control over the flow of information within the country.
Circumventing the Blockade
For the time being, Russian users can potentially bypass the WhatsApp blockade by utilizing VPN tools. However, even these tools are facing increased scrutiny from the Russian government, with numerous VPN applications removed from the Apple App Store in recent months, demonstrating a concerted effort to limit circumvention methods.
The blocking of WhatsApp and throttling of Telegram represent a significant escalation in Russia’s control over online communication. The long-term implications for freedom of expression and access to information within the country remain to be seen, but the trend clearly points towards a more tightly controlled digital environment.
