Russia has confirmed it has blocked messaging platform WhatsApp, directing citizens to switch to the state-backed Max app instead.
The move comes days after authorities began restricting access to Telegram, another widely used messaging service in Russia. Telegram is popular among millions of users, including military personnel, senior officials, state media outlets and government bodies such as the Kremlin and communications regulator Roskomnadzor.
Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov said Thursday, February 12, that WhatsApp was blocked due to alleged legal violations by its parent company, without providing further details.
“Max is an affordable alternative on the market for citizens, a developing national messenger,” Peskov said. “Regarding the blocking of WhatsApp, our authorities did indeed state that the decision was made and implemented due to the corporation’s unwillingness to comply with the law.”
WhatsApp is owned by Meta, which also owns Facebook and Instagram, both of which are already banned in Russia.
Earlier Thursday, WhatsApp said the Russian government had “attempted to fully block” the platform, describing the action as an effort to push users toward “a state-owned surveillance app.”
“Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backwards step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia,” the company said in a statement, adding that it would continue efforts to keep users connected.
Some users reported being able to access WhatsApp through virtual private networks (VPNs). However, Russian authorities have intensified efforts to curb VPN usage, restricting access to hundreds of VPN services. A law enacted in September also bans advertising tools that allow users to bypass state-imposed internet blocks.
This is not the first action taken against the app. In August 2025, Roskomnadzor imposed restrictions on video and voice calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, citing the need to counter criminal activity. WhatsApp at the time accused Moscow of attempting to limit access for Russian users.
The Max app, developed domestically, is being pre-installed on new devices as part of a broader strategy to replace foreign digital platforms. Designed as an all-in-one “super-app” similar to China’s WeChat, Max combines messaging, voice and video calls, payments and access to government services. Users can also authenticate their identities for public service platforms through the app.
On Tuesday, Russian authorities announced restrictions on Telegram, claiming the platform refused to remove content deemed “criminal and terrorist.” Telegram founder Pavel Durov responded that attempts to curb the platform would not succeed, stating that “Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy, no matter the pressure.”
