Russia Blocks WhatsApp: State Apps Required

KOMPAS.com – The Russian government limits WhatsApp access and attempts to completely block Meta’s messaging application.

This step is done in conjunction with encouraging citizens to switch to locally made applications called Max.

This application is designed as a super-app, similar to WeChat in China.

From 2025, the Max app will be required to be installed on all new devices sold in Russia. Its use is also mandatory for government employees, teachers and students.

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov once considered Telegram’s restrictions in Russia to be a government strategy. The aim is to force citizens to use domestic applications for political monitoring and censorship.

Also read: WhatsApp Announces Blocking in Russia, 100 Million Users Isolated

Iran is said to have carried out a similar strategy against Telegram. Even so, many Iranians are still looking for ways to access the service.

Durov emphasized that limiting citizens’ freedoms is not the right solution.

Announced by WhatsApp

Access restrictions WhatsApp in Russia announced directly by this instant messaging application. WhatsApp confirmed this complete blocking effort via a post on X (Twitter).

WhatsApp said the move was aimed at encouraging Russians to use Max, or what WhatsApp calls a state-made “surveillance app.”

“Today the Russian government tried to block WhatsApp completely in an effort to encourage its citizens to switch to domestic surveillance applications,” wrote WhatsApp in a post on X (Twitter), Thursday (12/2/2026).

WhatsApp views this policy as a backward step. The policy impacts more than 100 million WhatsApp users in Russia. The company also emphasized that it will continue to strive to keep users connected.

Today the Russian government attempted to fully block WhatsApp in an effort to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app. Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backwards step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia.…

— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) February 12, 2026

Financial Times reported that WhatsApp had been removed from the online directory of Roskomnadzor, Russia’s communications monitoring body.

Also read: Space Heats Up, Russian Satellite Suspected of Spying on European Union Communications

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said WhatsApp could return to normal if Meta complied with Russian law. If there is no compromise, the chance of access recovery is said to be non-existent.

WhatsApp restrictions actually started at the end of 2025. Approaching Christmas, access to this application began to be restricted by the Russian government. The Russian government argued that WhatsApp was deemed not to comply with local regulations.

Roskomnadzor accused WhatsApp of being used to organize acts of terror. The application is also said to be used to recruit perpetrators and commit fraud and other crimes against Russian citizens.