Russia Blocks WhatsApp for Failing to Meet Legal Requirements

In recent months, Moscow has intensified efforts to steer Russian users toward Max, a domestic messaging app that lacks end-to-end encryption.

Russia has blocked the popular messaging service WhatsApp for not complying with local law, the Kremlin said on Thursday, urging its 100 million Russian users to switch to domestic alternatives.

Moscow has been trying for months to shift Russian users to Max, a domestic messaging service that lacks end-to-end encryption and has been described by activists as a potential tool for surveillance.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, “As for blocking WhatsApp… such a decision was indeed taken and implemented.”

Peskov said the decision was made due to WhatsApp’s “hesitation to comply with the terms and conditions of Russian law.”

He said, “Max is a simple alternative, a developing messenger, a national messenger. And it is an option available on the market for citizens.”

WhatsApp, owned by US social media company Meta, said on Wednesday that it believes Russia is trying to block the service completely to force users to Max.

“We will continue to do everything possible to keep users connected,” it said. Critics and human rights activists say the blockage is a clear attempt by the Kremlin to increase control and surveillance of internet use in Russia.

Russia’s internet watchdog said on Tuesday that it would “gradually block” the Telegram messaging platform, which it also accused of not complying with local law.