The Russian government reportedly tried Wednesday to block WhatsApp completely in what the messaging service called an attempt to drive users to a state-owned surveillance app, according to WhatsApp, which is owned by Metaplatforms Inc. (NASDAQ:META).
“Trying to isolate more than 100 million users from private and secure communications is a step backwards,” WhatsApp said in a statement on social media.
Kremlin demands compliance with meta-legislation
Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov told TASS that WhatsApp could be reinstated if Meta complies with Russian laws and engages in dialogue with authorities.
“If Meta complies, it will enter into dialogue with the Russian authorities, and then there will be a possibility to reach an agreement,” Peskov said.
TASS reported that Russia’s telecoms watchdog has confirmed it is slowing down WhatsApp over alleged violations, claiming the messaging app facilitates terrorist activities and financial fraud against citizens.
Crackdown on foreign apps
This marks an escalation from August 2025, when Russia partially restricted audio calls on WhatsApp Telegram.
In July 2025, Russian MP Anton Gorelkin warned that WhatsApp should “prepare to leave,” as authorities promoted MAXa state-backed messaging app.
Russia simultaneously imposed restrictions on Telegram this week, after which it was set up Pavel Durov accused Moscow of forcing citizens into monitored alternatives, pointing to Iran’s failed attempt at similar censorship eight years ago.
Russia banned Facebook and Instagram, both owned by Meta, in 2022 and labeled the company an extremist organization.
Security questions are piling up for WhatsApp
The timing coincides with a broader investigation into WhatsApp’s security.
In January, Durov also publicly questioned the platform’s encryption, while Meta faced a lawsuit alleging it misled users about its privacy protections.
Photo courtesy: Worawee Meepian / Shutterstock.com
Disclaimer: This content was produced in part using AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga’s editorial staff.
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