Russia Banned WhatsApp: Russia has effectively banned WhatsApp as part of a wider effort to tighten control over its digital space. On February 11, WhatsApp said the Russian government had moved to fully block its services in the country to promote a state-backed “super” app called Max, Bloomberg reported.
According to the reports, millions of users were abruptly cut off from WhatsApp. The Meta Platforms-owned app said it is doing everything possible to keep more than 100 million users connected.
A Meta spokesperson told that Russia’s move to “fully block” WhatsApp is aimed at pushing users toward domestic platforms and increasing government control online. The spokesperson described Max as a “state-owned surveillance app” and said Meta “continued to do everything we can to keep users connected”.
Why Russia Banned WhatsApp
Russia’s decision to block WhatsApp comes amid growing tension with foreign technology companies. Since the February 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has tightened restrictions on international digital platforms while encouraging the use of state-backed alternatives.
Authorities say the move is about regulation and security, but critics argue it is part of a broader effort to control information flow and monitor online activity. Russian state media has dismissed claims that the new app is meant for surveillance.
What is Russia ‘Super App’ Max?
Moscow is actively pushing Max, a government-supported “super-app” designed to replace foreign messaging platforms. The app is modeled after China’s WeChat and combines multiple services into a single platform.
Max provides access to government services, document storage, banking, and other public and commercial tools. It also offers regular messaging features such as text messages, money transfers, and audio and video calls.
Why Critics Fear Max Could Track Users
Critics think Max could be used to track user activity. Russian state media, however, has rejected these allegations, calling them false. Max was developed by VKontakte (VK), which was co-founded by Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram. Durov sold his stake and left Russia in 2014. VK is now fully owned by the Russian government.
Reportedly, the Russian government has made it mandatory for smartphone manufacturers to pre-install Max on all mobile phones and tablets sold in the country.
Why Russia Is Limiting Foreign Messaging Apps
The WhatsApp ban is part of a broader clampdown on foreign messaging services. In addition to WhatsApp, Russia has also limited access to Telegram.
On February 11, Russian authorities said they were restricting Telegram for the protection of Russian citizens. The app was accused of refusing to block content officials described as “criminal and terrorist.”
Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, planned to further restrict Telegram this week, the RBC news service reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Bloomberg also referred to these plans.
Last year, authorities limited some calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, accusing foreign platforms of refusing to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases.
In December, Roskomnadzor blocked Apple’s video-calling service FaceTime, according to Reuters.
Why WhatsApp Could Still Return to Russia
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov in a video published said on the question of WhatsApp may be restored, “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.”
He added, “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.” The Kremlin did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.
