Russia has officially blocked access to WhatsApp, escalating its long-running battle to tighten control over the digital space. Authorities are now directing citizens to switch to the state-backed messaging platform Max, marking a significant shift in how millions of Russians communicate online.
The move comes just days after access restrictions were reported on Telegram, an app deeply embedded in Russian public life. Telegram is widely used by the military, senior officials, state media outlets, and key government institutions — including the Kremlin and communications watchdog Roskomnadzor.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Thursday that the ban on WhatsApp was imposed due to alleged violations of Russian law by its parent company, though he did not specify what those violations were. The decision underscores Moscow’s intensifying efforts to regulate foreign tech firms and steer users toward domestically controlled digital platforms.
The crackdown signals a broader push by Russia to assert digital sovereignty, reducing reliance on Western-owned apps while expanding oversight of online communication within its borders.