Russia Confirms Ban on WhatsApp, Pushing Citizens to a State-Backed Alternative

Russia has banned WhatsApp in the country for breaking domestic laws and pushes people toward a state-backed alternative application.

Russia has blocked WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, for allegedly breaking state laws. Russian officials deleted the app from an official internet directory, thereby making WhatsApp inaccessible throughout the country. When the senior Russian legislator in charge of the IT industry stated last year that WhatsApp was likely to be added to a list of banned software, the foundation for the ban was set.

Dmitry Peskov, the representative for the Kremlin, confirmed the decision Thursday, stating that Meta's non-compliance was the reason the government had put the block in place. Peskov urged citizens to switch to MAX, saying that it is an accessible alternative, a developing messenger, a national messenger, and that it is available on the market for citizens as an alternative. "Due to Meta's unwillingness to comply with Russian law, such a decision was indeed made and implemented," he said.

In a post on X, WhatsApp stated that the Russian government attempted to fully block WhatsApp today in an effort to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app. It also added that, isolating over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backward step that will only lead to decreased safety for Russians. Meanwhile, they are doing everything they can to keep users connected.

Beginning in September of last year, the Russian authorities ordered manufacturers to incorporate Max into all new phones and tablets. Additionally, Telegram has also been taken down by Russian authorities, although Meta's Facebook and Instagram accounts are still blocked after the corporation was labeled an extremist group. Although it's unclear if YouTube has been completely shut down, access to the platform has apparently been reduced.

Critics have referred to MAX as a surveillance tool, which Russian authorities deny. According to officials, the platform unites numerous government-related services and intends to simplify individuals' daily life by allowing them to do everything from access government services to ordering burgers.