Russia Blocks WhatsApp In Latest Messaging App Crackdown

Last updated: 2026/02/12 at 9:29 AM

News Room Published 12 February 2026

WhatsApp no longer works in Russia after a government crackdown, allegedly aimed at pushing users to a state-backed alternative called Max.

Meta’s app was removed from Russia’s internet regulator’s online directory on Feb. 11, with the service abruptly halting for users days after rival Telegram began experiencing a slowdown in the country.

A spokesperson for Meta told the Financial Times, “Today the Russian government has attempted to fully block WhatsApp in an effort to drive users to a state-owned surveillance app. Trying to isolate over 100mn people from private and secure communication is a backwards step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia.”

In comments to the BBC, a Kremlin spokesperson said Meta would be allowed to resume operations if it “complies with [the law] and enters into dialogue” with the government. Russia has previously designated Meta as an organization involved in “extremist activities”, banning Facebook and Instagram in 2022. WhatsApp was exempt from that ban.

The Kremlin spokesperson told news agency Ria Novosti, “Max is an accessible alternative,” which is “available on the market for citizens.” The spokesperson didn’t comment on whether WhatsApp’s removal was intended to prompt users to switch to Max.

Russia has enforced Max to be preinstalled on all phones sold in the country since last year, but state media claims it isn’t used to surveil users. Max is thought to have over 55 million users so far.

The move comes after Russia took action against rival messaging app Telegram on Tuesday. Many users report a slowdown in service when downloading videos and images, but there has yet to be a nationwide ban.

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Pavel Durov, Russian-born CEO of Telegram, said, “Russia is restricting access to Telegram to force its citizens onto a state-controlled app built for surveillance and political censorship. This authoritarian move won’t change our course. Telegram stands for freedom and privacy, no matter the pressure.”

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The messaging app Signal was previously blocked in Russia in 2024.

Other user reports suggest YouTube has been throttled in Russia, with some users experiencing degraded service over the last 24 hours. The Kremlin has yet to comment on any restrictions on YouTube’s service.