Russia’s internet watchdog Roskomnadzor has warned that WhatsApp faces a total block across the country unless it immediately complies with national laws aimed at curbing illegal activity.
The ultimatum, delivered Friday, is the strongest move yet in Moscow’s long-running campaign to bring foreign messaging platforms under tighter control.
From Call Throttling to Full Blockade
In August, authorities already slowed down voice and video calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, citing lack of cooperation with security services on fraud and terror probes. Now Roskomnadzor says text messaging is next: failure to meet legal requirements will trigger a complete shutdown.
Privacy vs. State Oversight
WhatsApp insists that handing over data would destroy end-to-end encryption and strip millions of Russians of private, secure communication. Moscow counters that the platform is being used for criminal purposes and must follow the same rules as domestic services.
Pushing the Home-Grown Replacement
At the same time, officials are heavily promoting MAX — a new state-developed messaging app — as a safe, fully compliant alternative. Critics warn MAX could become a surveillance tool; state media calls those fears propaganda.
If the block goes ahead, WhatsApp would join Facebook, Instagram and most Western social networks already banned in Russia.
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