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Russia is restricting access to WhatsApp and attempting a full block of the Meta-owned messaging app, a move that comes as the government promotes a domestic alternative called Max. The escalating restrictions signal a broader effort by Moscow to control the digital sphere and steer citizens toward state-backed platforms.
WhatsApp confirmed the attempted full block on February 12, 2026, via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating the action was “an effort to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app.” The company, which estimates over 100 million Russian users will be affected, said it would continue working to keep people 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
The restrictions on WhatsApp, which began gradually in late 2025, are being justified by Russian authorities who claim the app has failed to comply with local regulations. Roskomnadzor, Russia’s communications regulator, has accused WhatsApp of being used to organize terrorist activities, recruit individuals and facilitate fraud and other crimes against Russian citizens.
Max is designed as a “super-app,” similar to WeChat in China, and will be mandatory on all new devices sold in Russia starting in 2025. Its use will too be required for government employees, teachers, and students. The development underscores Russia’s increasing reliance on domestically produced technology and its desire to exert greater control over online communication.
The move echoes similar tactics employed by Iran against Telegram, though many Iranian citizens continued to find ways to access the service. Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has previously characterized restrictions on his platform in Russia as a strategy to compel citizens to use domestic apps for surveillance and political censorship.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that WhatsApp could regain access if Meta complies with Russian law, but suggested the prospects for restoring access are slim without a compromise.
Financial Times reported that WhatsApp had been removed from Roskomnadzor’s online directory.
The restrictions on WhatsApp arrive amid heightened geopolitical tensions and increasing scrutiny of technology companies operating within Russia. Recent reports have alleged that Russian satellites are spying on communications from the European Union, further illustrating the country’s focus on information control and security.
WhatsApp announced the block will isolate 100 million users in Russia.
