Russia Moves to Fully Block WhatsApp Messaging App

Moscow. Russia has initiated efforts to completely block the popular messaging application WhatsApp within the country. The Kremlin is taking this step as part of its strategy to tighten control over the internet and media. According to WhatsApp's parent company, Meta, this move by the Russian government will deprive approximately over 100 million users there of private and secure communication services.

Meta alleges that Russia is opting for this ban path to force its citizens to use 'surveillance apps' that are subject to government monitoring. The Russian communications regulatory body, 'Roskomnadzor,' had repeatedly warned WhatsApp to comply with local laws.

Russia had already banned Instagram and Facebook after declaring Meta an extremist organization in 2022, which can currently only be accessed via VPNs in the country. Russian official Andrei Svintov claimed the ban on Meta was justified. Earlier this year, Russian state media indicated that WhatsApp could be permanently shut down by 2026.

Along with this attempt to ban WhatsApp, Russia has also begun tightening restrictions on another popular app, Telegram, citing security reasons. Both WhatsApp and Telegram have similar numbers of users in Russia.

WhatsApp issued a statement saying it will continue to do everything possible to keep its users securely connected.