Russia Blocks WhatsApp After Moving to Restrict Telegram Nationwide

Meta’s WhatsApp messaging app is facing growing hostility in Russia after the government moved to restrict its services. This latest Russia WhatsApp Block comes just days after a nationwide crackdown on Telegram, leaving millions scrambling for domestic alternatives as the state tightens its grip on the flow of information.

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Messaging Crackdown Deepens as WhatsApp Falls After Telegram

Roskomnadzor, Russia’s communications watchdog, is to blame for the WhatsApp witch hunt. The communications regulator has increasingly targeted foreign-owned platforms over compliance and data localization requirements.

The Meta-owned platform released a statement and said that efforts are underway to resolve the issue:

”Today the Russian government attempted to fully block WhatsApp in an effort to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app. Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backwards step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia. We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected.”

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Telegram is also not fazed by the restrictions, and its CEO is not letting things slide:

”Restricting citizens’ freedom is never the right answer. Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy, no matter the pressure.”

According to reports, the main reason for the crackdown is Russia’s push for a state-backed app. Western apps are being phased out in favour of a new app called Max. The app is designed to integrate messaging, payments, government services, and social networking, mirroring China’s WeChat model.

A Turning Point for Digital Sovereignty

The Russia WhatsApp block, coming immediately after tighter Telegram restrictions, seems to be a well-orchestrated government sanction on Western apps. Unlike encrypted Western platforms, the Max super app operates under the direct supervision of Roskomnadzor, ensuring that content remains within the bounds of state-approved narratives.

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While tech-savvy users are turning to VPNs, this can only be a temporary measure, and VPNs will likely be flagged too. The future of encrypted communications in the country hangs in the balance.