Russia has warned it may completely outlaw WhatsApp, accusing the globally used messaging platform of refusing to meet the country’s data-access demands. The announcement intensifies Moscow’s ongoing campaign against Western digital services as it seeks tighter control over online communication.
The state communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, issued the threat on Friday, insisting the Meta-owned service must fully comply with Russian law or face a nationwide block. Authorities urged the tens of millions of Russians who rely on WhatsApp to abandon it in favour of locally developed alternatives.
Meta fired back, saying the crackdown is happening because WhatsApp “defies government attempts to violate people’s right to secure communication.”
Russia has already restricted WhatsApp calls since August, part of a sweeping effort to curb Western social media platforms. Critics say the measures are aimed at shielding the government from scrutiny and strengthening digital surveillance.
WhatsApp remains one of Russia’s top two messaging services, alongside Telegram. Moscow has repeatedly demanded both platforms provide access to user data for investigations linked to fraud and activities it labels “terrorist.”
Officials are also promoting Max, a homegrown messaging app without end-to-end encryption. The government now requires Max to be pre-installed on all new smartphones and tablets.
Rights groups warn that weakening encrypted communication could pave the way for mass monitoring and further repression of critics of President Vladimir Putin, particularly amid ongoing tensions over the war in Ukraine.
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