Moscow has taken a dramatic step in its digital landscape, fully blocking WhatsApp across the country. The Kremlin confirmed the move on Wednesday, framing it as a necessary push to promote domestic messaging alternatives amid ongoing tensions with Western tech giants.
WhatsApp, owned by Meta, issued a stark statement accusing Russian authorities of attempting to sever over 100 million users from secure private communication. The company highlighted the promotion of Max, Russia’s new government-backed platform, as the ulterior motive behind the blackout.
‘Forcing more than 100 million users away from private and secure conversations is a step backwards that will make people in Russia less safe,’ WhatsApp declared. The spokesperson emphasized relentless efforts to keep users connected despite the restrictions.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded by insisting that Meta must comply with Russian laws to regain access. He pointed to previous blocks on platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram—many imposed after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine—as part of a broader strategy to control information flow.
Max is being aggressively marketed as a one-stop solution for messaging, government services, online payments, and more. Developers and officials assure users that data will only be shared with authorities upon official request, positioning it as a secure national alternative.
This latest ban escalates Russia’s campaign against foreign apps, raising alarms about surveillance and free speech. Critics argue it isolates citizens from global connectivity, while supporters claim it bolsters national security and sovereignty in the digital realm.
As Russians scramble for workarounds like VPNs, the standoff underscores deepening divides between Moscow and Silicon Valley. WhatsApp vows to fight on, but the path forward remains uncertain in Putin’s tightly controlled internet ecosystem.