Russia Cuts Off WhatsApp for 100 Million Users to Push State App

TLDR

• Russia has blocked WhatsApp’s domain, making it inaccessible without a VPN for over 100 million users
• The government is promoting MAX, a state-backed messaging app launched in March 2025 by Russian tech firm VK
• Starting September 1, 2025, all smartphones sold in Russia must have MAX pre-installed
• WhatsApp accuses Russia of trying to force users toward a “state-owned surveillance app”
• Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov says WhatsApp can return if Meta complies with Russian laws

Russia has blocked access to WhatsApp across the country as it pushes users toward its state-backed messaging alternative called MAX. The move affects over 100 million Russian users of the Meta-owned messaging service.

Russian news outlet Gazeta.ru reported Wednesday that WhatsApp’s domain had been completely blocked. Users now need a VPN or similar workaround to access the service.

WhatsApp responded to the block with a statement on X. The company said Russia is trying to isolate users from private and secure communication. WhatsApp called this a backward step that would make people in Russia less safe.

The messaging app accused Russia of attempting to drive users to a “state-owned surveillance app.” WhatsApp said it continues doing everything possible to keep users connected.

Russia launched MAX in March 2025 through tech firm VK. The government has been promoting the platform heavily as a domestic alternative to foreign services like WhatsApp and Telegram.

Starting September 1, 2025, Russian law requires all smartphones sold in the country to have MAX pre-installed. This mandate aims to increase adoption of the state-backed platform.

Russia has the fourth-largest WhatsApp user base globally with 72 million active monthly users. Only Indonesia, Brazil, and India have more users according to SEO firm Backlinko.

Government Demands Compliance

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov addressed the block in a video published by state news agency TASS. He said unblocking WhatsApp would require the messaging service to follow Russian laws and show willingness to negotiate.

Peskov stated that if Meta complies with legislation and enters dialogue with Russian authorities, reaching an agreement is possible. However, if Meta maintains an uncompromising position, there is no chance of resolution.

Russia began limiting calls on WhatsApp and Telegram last year. Authorities accused the platforms of refusing to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases. They also claimed the services failed to store Russian user data within the country.

In January, State Duma deputy Andrey Svintsov told TASS that Russia’s telecom regulator would adopt measures to completely block WhatsApp by the end of 2026. The current block appears to have accelerated that timeline.

Similar Restrictions Elsewhere

Russia is not alone in restricting messaging services. Other countries have implemented communication restrictions during periods of political tension.

In December, Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine encouraged supporters to download decentralized messaging service Bitchat. He accused the government of planning communication cuts before elections.

Madagascar experienced a spike in Bitchat downloads in September during protests and communication disruptions. Similar increases occurred during unrest in Nepal and Indonesia earlier that month.

Russia also blocked Apple’s FaceTime video-calling app in December. The Financial Times reported that Russian authorities removed WhatsApp from an online directory run by Roskomnadzor, the state communications watchdog.

Meta did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment. Roskomnadzor also did not provide a response regarding the block.

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