Russia's ban on WhatsApp sparks controversy: accused of promoting "surveillance app," 72 million users face communication risks

On February 12, Meta’s instant messaging app WhatsApp publicly accused Russia of blocking its service, claiming it was an attempt to force domestic users to switch to a government-supported local app. The company stated on social platform X that cutting off private communication channels for tens of millions of people is a backward move that will only weaken public digital security.

The alternative platform promoted by Moscow is called Max, launched in March 2025 by Russian tech company VK, positioned as a domestic substitute for WhatsApp and Telegram. The Russian government has mandated that, starting September 1, all smartphones sold domestically must come pre-installed with the app. This move is seen as a key step to accelerate the “localization of communication.”

Data from SEO research firm Backlinko shows that Russia is the fourth-largest global market for WhatsApp monthly active users, with approximately 72 million users, behind Indonesia, Brazil, and India. Such a large user base has caused the blockade to quickly trigger public controversy.

Several Russian media outlets report that WhatsApp’s domain has been fully blocked, and users can only access it via VPNs and other methods. Moscow-based news website Gazeta.ru, citing TASS, reported that Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated that to lift the blockade, WhatsApp must comply with local laws and demonstrate a willingness to negotiate with regulators.

In fact, Russia has been gradually tightening restrictions on foreign communication platforms in recent years. Last year, Moscow began limiting some call functions on WhatsApp and Telegram, citing concerns that these platforms do not share data with law enforcement and do not store Russian user information domestically. In January this year, State Duma deputy Andrey Svintsov also said that regulators plan to completely ban WhatsApp by the end of 2026.

Similar communication restrictions are not isolated cases. In December last year, Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine called on supporters to switch to decentralized communication tools to counter potential internet shutdowns. As countries strengthen digital sovereignty controls, the global instant messaging landscape faces new uncertainties.