Russia is accelerating efforts to completely block the popular messaging application WhatsApp, marking another significant step in the country's campaign to replace Western technology platforms with domestic alternatives. This development comes after months of gradually degrading the service's functionality within Russian borders.
Phased Restrictions and Official Justification
Roskomnadzor, Russia's federal communications watchdog, confirmed it has begun implementing phased restrictions on the Meta Platforms Inc.-owned application. According to reports from Interfax and TASS news agencies, the regulator alleges WhatsApp is being used to organize terrorist attacks and recruit perpetrators for such operations within Russia, claiming these activities violate Russian law.
The crackdown on WhatsApp functionality has been building steadily. Voice calls through WhatsApp have been restricted since August, though text messaging capabilities have remained available. Russian media outlets reported last month that mobile operators received instructions to stop sending SMS verification codes to users attempting to register or log out of the application.
In response to these restrictions, WhatsApp introduced an alternative login method for Russian users using passkey technology, attempting to circumvent the SMS blockade.
Broader Campaign Against Foreign Tech Platforms
This move against WhatsApp represents the latest escalation in Russia's ongoing campaign against foreign technology services that began intensifying following the country's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russian authorities have systematically increased pressure on digital platforms over which they have limited control.
The pattern of restrictions has become familiar to Russian internet users. The country has already banned several U.S.-owned social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). Access to YouTube has been increasingly throttled, while TikTok's popularity has declined significantly after the Chinese-owned platform began limiting Russian users' access to foreign content and livestreams in compliance with changing Russian regulations.
Domestic Alternative: The MAX Super App
As Russia restricts foreign technology platforms, it is simultaneously promoting domestic alternatives. In June, President Vladimir Putin signed legislation to create a state-run "super app" called MAX, designed to host government services and enable document storage, messaging, banking, and various other public and commercial services.
The platform, developed by government-controlled technology company VK Co., is modelled after China's highly successful WeChat application. This represents a significant step in Russia's push toward digital sovereignty and reducing dependence on foreign technology infrastructure.
Roskomnadzor has made it clear that the restrictions on WhatsApp will continue, with a complete shutdown looming if the platform fails to comply with Russian law. As WhatsApp remains Russia's most popular messaging application, this potential ban would affect millions of users and represent one of the most significant moves yet in Russia's technological decoupling from Western services.
