Russia blocks WhatsApp citing non-compliance with local laws

BY AHMET TAŞ | WISE NEWS PRESS

MOSCOW, RUSSIA —  Russia has officially blocked the messaging application WhatsApp for failing to comply with national legislation, a move the service warns isolates over 100 million users from private and secure communication. The restriction, confirmed by the Kremlin on Thursday, represents a significant escalation in Moscow’s ongoing efforts to regulate and control Western digital platforms.

The decision follows years of threats from Russian regulators regarding bandwidth throttling and total bans for platforms that do not adhere to local rules. Human rights advocates suggest these restrictions are part of an intensified campaign to increase state surveillance following the invasion of Ukraine.

Kremlin confirms the restriction

Kremlin spokesperson Dimitri Peskov confirmed the block during a press briefing, stating that the decision was made because WhatsApp refused to comply with Russia's laws and rules. "Such a decision was made and implemented," Peskov told reporters when asked about the current status of the application within the country.

According to DW Turkish, Russian authorities have previously warned that online platforms would face total bans if they failed to align with the country's legal requirements. This move signals a definitive break between the state and the Meta-owned platform, which had remained one of the few Western social services still accessible in Russia until now.

WhatsApp warns of state surveillance

Prior to Peskov's confirmation, WhatsApp issued a statement on its social media account accusing the Russian government of attempting to block the app to force users toward a state-controlled alternative. The company claims the government’s ultimate goal is to migrate its 100-million-strong user base to a messaging app called "Max," which it describes as a surveillance tool.

"Today, the Russian government attempted to fully block WhatsApp in an effort to drive people to a state-controlled surveillance app. This is a step backward to try and isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication," the company stated on X (formerly Twitter).

WhatsApp further noted that it is continuing to explore every possible method to keep its users connected despite the government's interference. However, the company did not provide specific technical details regarding the current effectiveness of the blockade.

Expanding digital censorship in Russia

The targeting of WhatsApp appears to be part of a broader crackdown on independent messaging services. Russia’s internet monitoring platform recently announced that it would also begin implementing "gradual restrictions" on the messaging platform Telegram, citing its own failure to comply with local laws.

For years, Russia has sought to establish "digital sovereignty" by mandating that tech companies store user data on local servers and remove content deemed illegal by the state. Experts believe the latest ban on WhatsApp is a move to ensure that internal communications are more easily monitored through domestic platforms like Max.

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