Russia has confirmed that it has banned WhatsApp, citing the app's failure to comply with the law, amid criticism that the government is trying to pressure citizens to switch to the local app MAX instead.
On Thursday, 12 Feb 2026, the Russian government confirmed that it has blocked access to the popular messaging app WhatsApp within Russia, accusing the service of violating local laws and urging over 100 million Russian users to switch to a domestic alternative app.
For months, Moscow has tried to encourage Russian users to switch to MAX, a Russian messaging service that lacks end-to-end encryption, leading activists to view the app as a potential tool for surveillance.
“The decision to block WhatsApp has indeed been made and implemented,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding that WhatsApp was unwilling to comply with Russia’s legal standards and regulations.
Peskov added, “MAX is an accessible alternative, a developing messaging app, a national messaging service, and an available choice on the market for the public.”
WhatsApp, owned by the U.S. social media giant Meta, stated on Wednesday that it believes Russia is trying to completely block its service to force users to switch to MAX.
“Attempting to separate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is regressive and will only reduce security for people in Russia,” the statement said. “We continue to do everything possible to keep users connected.”
Some domain names related to WhatsApp have already disappeared from Russia’s national domain registry, meaning devices within Russia no longer receive IP addresses from the app and can only access it via virtual private networks (VPNs).
Reactions among Russians vary, with some unconcerned and others dissatisfied.
“Frankly, I view this negatively because it is part of a violation of our constitutional rights, as it restricts freedom of choice,” said a young woman who identified herself only as Anna.
Another woman named Elena told the media she did not see this as a problem since there are other messaging apps available. Meanwhile, a woman named Aliona said she would try to use WhatsApp with a VPN as long as possible before switching to MAX.
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Source:cna