WhatsApp Says Russia Tried To 'Fully Block' Its Messaging Services To Push State App

Last Updated:February 12, 2026, 07:27 IST

WhatsApp said that the platform has been blocked in view of Russia's efforts to drive users to a "state-owned surveillance app".

Russian authorities have attempted to “fully block" Meta Platforms-owned WhatsApp in the country. The move came in efforts to promote home-grown platforms and seek greater control over its internet space, a company spokesperson was cited by news agency Reuters on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp said that the block is attempted in view of Russia’s efforts to drive users to a “state-owned surveillance app".

Earlier, the Financial Times in a news report said that the Russian authorities have removed the messaging app, which has about 100 million users, from the equivalent of an online directory run by Roskomnadzor, the Russian internet regulator.

However, the Kremlin is yet to respond to the reports.

It has been learnt that the Russian authorities are pushing a state-backed rival app called MAX. The platform will reportedly be used by the authorities to track users’ data. However, the state media have dismissed the accusations as false.

Last year, Russia began limiting some calls on the messaging service, and on Telegram, accusing the foreign-owned platforms of refusing to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases.

(With agency inputs)

News tech WhatsApp Says Russia Tried To 'Fully Block' Its Messaging Services To Push State App

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