• Russia bans WhatsApp and restricts Telegram
• Over 100 million users pushed toward national messaging app

Russian authorities have issued a ban on WhatsApp as part of the Kremlin’s ongoing effort to tighten restrictions on instant messaging apps.

WhatsApp, owned by Meta, said the move is intended to push over 100 million users in Russia to rely on the state-run national messaging app.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the decision was made because “Meta refuses to comply with Russian laws,” noting that the company could resume operations if it “follows the law and enters dialogue with authorities.”

Peskov added that the national messaging app, Max, is available as an alternative for Russian users.

At the same time, Russia’s internet regulator Roskomnadzor announced restrictions on access to Telegram, citing the app’s failure to meet domestic security and data protection standards.

Russian authorities say both WhatsApp and Telegram have refused to store Russian users’ data domestically, as required by law, and accuse WhatsApp of being a key tool in fraud and extortion, justifying pressure on citizens to switch to Max.

WhatsApp emphasized that it is doing everything possible to maintain user connectivity, warning that isolating over 100 million users from private and secure communications is a step backward and could reduce overall safety in Russia.

Earlier this year, Russian state news agency TASS reported that WhatsApp’s ban could become permanent in 2026.

A Russian official said these strict measures are “fully justified” after Meta was classified as an extremist organization in Russia.

WhatsApp had been the most popular app in Russia before Meta products like Facebook and Instagram were banned in 2022, with access now only possible via VPNs.

Reports indicate that Russia has recently started removing websites from the national internet directory managed by Roskomnadzor.