Russia has taken steps to block Meta-owned WhatsApp, a company spokesperson told Reuters on Wednesday.
Authorities are promoting domestic platforms and working to take sole control over the country’s internet.
This decision follows disagreements between Moscow and foreign tech companies since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Officials are urging users to adopt a state-backed messaging app called MAX, but societal groups warn that MAX could be used to track citizens, though state media have called these claims false.
WhatsApp described this development as “Russia’s efforts to drive users to a state-owned surveillance app.” The company added, “We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected.”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: “This is again a question of fulfilling the legislation. If the Meta corporation fulfils this and enters into dialogue with Russian authorities, then we have the possibility of reaching an agreement.
“If the corporation (Meta) sticks to an uncompromising position and, I would say, shows itself unready to align with Russian legislation, then there is no chance.”
Earlier, Russian authorities removed WhatsApp from Roskomnadzor’s online directory, cutting off official access to the service. The app had roughly 100 million users in Russia before the block, making it one of the country’s most popular messaging platforms.
The block follows other recent restrictions. In December, Russia also restricted FaceTime and Telegram, and restricted Telegram again a few days ago.
Authorities said these measures were necessary because foreign companies refused to share user information with law enforcement on fraud and terrorism cases.
Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, has said the platform will continue to protect freedom of speech and user privacy.
Reports say Russia is pushing for digital sovereignty. The government wants to reduce reliance on foreign technology, while civil society groups warn that state-backed apps could threaten user privacy.
