The Russian government has escalated its online control efforts by attempting to block nationwide access to WhatsApp. Meta described this as a backward step aimed at forcing over 100 million people to use the government’s "Max" app, which lacks encryption, facilitating political surveillance and censorship.
Meta, the owner of WhatsApp, revealed that Russian authorities have tried to fully block WhatsApp within the country as part of stricter measures to control messaging apps. Recently, Russian regulators also imposed additional restrictions on Telegram, citing security reasons.
WhatsApp issued a statement saying, "The attempt to cut off over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backward step that will make people in Russia less safe. We will do everything possible to keep users connected."
This conflict stems from Russia declaring Meta a "terrorist organization" in 2022, which led to Instagram and Facebook being blocked earlier, accessible only via VPN. Russian authorities claim that WhatsApp and Telegram refuse to store Russian users’ data domestically as required by law.
Russia's state news agency TASS reported that WhatsApp is scheduled for permanent blocking by 2026. Senior Russian officials confirmed that this severe measure is "entirely appropriate."
Meanwhile, Russian authorities are pushing citizens to switch to the state-developed app "Max," similar to China's WeChat as a "Super App" combining messaging and government services. However, a major concern is that this app "does not have data encryption."
Since 2025, Russia has mandated that the Max app be pre-installed on all new devices sold domestically, and requires civil servants, teachers, and students to use this platform exclusively.
Pavel Durov, Russian founder of Telegram, commented that the government is trying to restrict freedom to force citizens to use a state app for surveillance and political censorship. He compared this to Iran’s attempt to ban Telegram to promote a state app, noting citizens always find ways to bypass restrictions. He emphasized, "Restricting citizens' freedoms is not the right solution."
Currently, the situation in Russia remains tense as many people scramble to find alternative communication methods amid increasing government censorship.
. BBC