Russia has attempted to “fully block” WhatsApp in the country, a company spokesperson told Reuters on Wednesday, as authorities promote domestic platforms and tighten control over the national internet space.
The move comes amid a long-running dispute between Moscow and foreign technology companies that intensified following Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Russian authorities are actively promoting a state-backed rival messaging platform known as MAX, which critics allege could be used to monitor users. State media have dismissed those claims.
WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, said the block is part of Russia’s efforts to drive users toward a “state-owned surveillance app.”
“We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected,” the company said.
Responding to questions about WhatsApp’s potential return, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told TASS that the issue depends on compliance with Russian legislation.
“If the Meta corporation fulfils this and enters into dialogue with Russian authorities, then we have the possibility of reaching an agreement,” Peskov said. “If the corporation sticks to an uncompromising position and shows itself unready to align with Russian legislation, then there is no chance.”
The Financial Times previously reported that Russian authorities removed WhatsApp from an online registry overseen by Roskomnadzor, the state communications regulator.
In recent months, Russia has also restricted certain calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, accusing foreign-owned platforms of refusing to share data with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism investigations. In December, authorities blocked Apple’s FaceTime service.
Telegram’s Russian-born founder Pavel Durov has previously said the platform remains committed to protecting freedom of speech and user privacy.
Source: Reuters
