Russia has officially blocked WhatsApp, the messaging platform owned by Meta, removing it from the country’s online directory and effectively cutting off access within the Russian internet.
More than 100 million people in Russia use WhatsApp, according to available estimates.
Russian authorities had previously warned that WhatsApp could face a ban in 2025. In July 2025, a member of the Russian parliament, which oversees regulation of the IT sector, said there was a strong possibility the platform would be added to the list of banned services.
The Russian government has encouraged users to migrate to Max, a domestic messaging app described as similar to WeChat. However, Max does not provide end-to-end encryption.
Meta said in a statement that the Russian government has attempted to block WhatsApp completely to move users to what it described as a government-run surveillance app.
According to Meta, the move would deprive more than 100 million people of secure communications and reduce protections for users in Russia.
On February 11, Russian authorities also removed Telegram from the online directory.
Access to Meta’s other platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, has also been made inaccessible. Meta has been placed on Russia’s list of extremist organizations.
Reports indicate that YouTube has also been banned, although it is unclear whether it has been completely removed from the online directory.
The Russian president has also directed authorities to tighten sanctions on foreign communication apps in 2025.
