WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging services worldwide. In Russia, the app, with at least 100 million users, was deeply ingrained in daily life. Now, WhatsApp has been completely blocked in the country. Along with Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram, the service is no longer accessible.
The measure is related to the Russian authorities' classification of the Meta corporation as an "extremist organization". At the same time, the government aims to steer the population toward a state-controlled messaging app.
Blocking WhatsApp is not an isolated step, but part of a broader strategy to control digital communication. Russia possesses the technical infrastructure to route all internet traffic within the country through state servers. This allows specific platforms to be centrally blocked or removed from the official directory.
In recent weeks, access to Telegram has been gradually restricted. Now, both Telegram and WhatsApp are completely blocked. This development affects millions of people simultaneously.
WhatsApp and Telegram officially blocked
On Wednesday afternoon, millions of users in Russia were abruptly cut off from the encrypted WhatsApp service. According to a report in the Financial Times, this occurred after months of pressure from the authorities to use a so-called "national messenger" instead.
At the same time, Telegram was also completely blocked. Access to Telegram had already been increasingly restricted in the preceding weeks. The complete blockade marks the provisional culmination of this development.
WhatsApp has also been removed from the online directory of the Russian internet regulator Roskomnadzor. This means the service is officially no longer authorized.
Meta is classified as an "extremist organization"
A key official reason for the blocking of WhatsApp is the classification of its parent company, Meta, as an "extremist organization". Meta also operates Facebook and Instagram.
As a result of this classification, Facebook and Instagram were also blocked in Russia. The decision provides the legal basis for the ban on the affected platforms.
This classification allows the authorities to remove all of the corporation's services from the country's digital space.
The state-run messenger Max as an alternative
Simultaneously with the blocking of international platforms, the government is pushing for the use of its own service. This is a state-backed messenger called Max, which is described as a WeChat clone.
The difference to WhatsApp lies in the lack of encryption. All messages sent or received via Max can be read by the government. The service is explicitly designed to allow surveillance.
For months, the authorities have been trying to encourage the population to use this national messaging app. The blocking of WhatsApp and Telegram is increasing the pressure to switch to Max.
Technical basis of the locks
Russia can implement such measures relatively consistently because all internet traffic within the country is routed through state servers. This centralized control makes it possible to selectively block individual services.
This infrastructure allows access to apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, or Instagram to be blocked nationwide. Removal from Roskomnadzor's directory is a formal step within this control structure.
Criticism and practical consequences
The banning of Telegram is viewed by some as a problematic decision. The app is used extensively by Russian soldiers on the front lines of the war in Ukraine. They receive warnings about drone and missile attacks via Telegram and stay in contact with family and friends.
Reports indicate that even supporters of President Vladimir Putin are angered by the blockade. Nevertheless, access has been completely cut off.
For WhatsApp users, the ban means an abrupt loss of a key communication channel. Private chats, business communications, and group messages have been inaccessible since the shutdown.
WhatsApp ban: Communication under state supervision
The blocking of WhatsApp in Russia is part of a broader state control of digital communication. Officially, the measure is based on the classification of Meta as an extremist organization. At the same time, the state-run messenger Max is being established as a monitored alternative.
With the complete blocking of WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram, the digital landscape in Russia is fundamentally changing. Millions of people are losing access to encrypted communication services, while state-controlled platforms are gaining in importance. (Image: Shutterstock / easindesigner364)
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