MOSCOW: Meta-owned WhatsApp said on Wednesday that Russian authorities have tried to “fully block” the messaging service as part of efforts to push citizens toward a government-backed alternative and tighten control over the internet.
The standoff between Moscow and foreign tech companies has deepened since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The government is promoting a domestic app called MAX, which critics warn could be used for surveillance — a claim dismissed by state media.
WhatsApp said the attempted shutdown is meant to force users onto what it called a “state-owned surveillance app,” adding: “We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected.”
Asked whether WhatsApp could be restored, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the TASS news agency that it depends on Meta complying with Russian law. He said a return would be possible if the company engaged in dialogue with authorities, but warned there would be “no chance” if Meta maintained an “uncompromising” stance.
Earlier, the Financial Times reported that Russia had removed WhatsApp — which has around 100 million users in the country — from an official online registry managed by Roskomnadzor, the state communications regulator. The Kremlin did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
Last year, Moscow began restricting calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, accusing foreign platforms of refusing to share user data in criminal investigations. In December, Russia also blocked Apple’s FaceTime.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov has said his platform will continue to prioritize free speech and user privacy.
