Russia attempted to fully block WhatsApp this week, according to Meta, in a move to push 100 million users toward a state-backed surveillance app. The government also restricted Telegram, cutting off 60 million daily users from the encrypted messaging service.
Russian authorities removed WhatsApp from Roskomnadzor's online directory on Wednesday, effectively blocking access for the app's 100 million Russian users. Facebook and Instagram, also owned by Meta, were removed from the same directory.
"Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backwards step."
A Meta spokesperson told the Guardian that. The company said it continues efforts to keep users connected despite the blocking attempt. This comes as Meta faces legal challenges in other jurisdictions over platform safety concerns.
Telegram faced similar restrictions, with users reporting slower traffic and download delays on Tuesday. The messaging service has 60 million daily users in Russia, including soldiers on the Ukraine front lines who rely on it for drone attack alerts.
"Restricting citizens' freedom is never the right answer,"
Telegram founder Pavel Durov, a Russian-born billionaire based in Dubai, said. "Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy, no matter the pressure."
The blocking attempts align with Russia's push for a "sovereign internet" that reduces Western technology dependence. Moscow designated Meta as an extremist organization in 2022, though WhatsApp initially remained accessible.
Russian authorities promote Max, a state-backed messaging app modeled on China's WeChat with 55 million users. The government ordered Max pre-installed on new phones last August, despite critics warning the app enables user surveillance. This raises similar privacy concerns as seen in other government data access cases.
"If the Meta corporation fulfills this and enters into dialogue with Russian authorities, then we have the possibility of reaching an agreement,"
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told TASS, saying WhatsApp could return if Meta complies with Russian legislation.
Russian telecom operators reported 25% voice traffic increases after WhatsApp and Telegram call restrictions began in August. Traditional phone networks absorbed the displaced communication volume.
The Financial Times reported that Russian authorities claim WhatsApp facilitates terrorist activities and financial fraud. Roskomnadzor confirmed slowing WhatsApp over alleged violations of Russian law.
Russian soldiers and pro-war bloggers criticized the Telegram restrictions, noting the app's frontline utility. Even supporters of President Vladimir Putin reportedly expressed anger over the development.
In December, Russian authorities blocked Snapchat and restricted Apple's FaceTime service. The moves continue a multi-year campaign to replace foreign technology with domestic alternatives under state control.
WhatsApp remains Russia's most widely used messaging service despite the blocking attempts. The app's end-to-end encryption prevents Russian authorities from accessing message content, unlike the state-backed Max app where all communications are readable by the government. The EU has also raised concerns about WhatsApp's competitive practices in other markets.
