Meta-owned WhatsApp on Thursday announced Russia's attempt to fully block the app affecting over 100 million users, to force migration to a state-controlled surveillance alternative, emphasising risks to privacy and safety.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp posted, "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."
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.…
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) February 12, 2026
This action aligns with Russia's pattern of restricting non-compliant messaging services, including prior limits on Telegram and calls on platforms refusing data-sharing with authorities, as reported by Reuters and The Verge on February 12, 2026.
The company however, said that they are continuing to do everything they can to keep users connected. When asked if WhatsApp would return in Russia, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agency TASS, "This is again a question of fulfilling the legislation. If the Meta corporation fulfils this and enters into dialogue with Russian authorities, then we have the possibility of reaching an agreement. If the corporation (Meta) sticks to an uncompromising position and shows itself unready to align with Russian legislation, then there is no chance."
A day ago, even the Telegram Founder Pavel Durov called out Russia's pattern of throttling of Telegram to push users toward a state surveillance app, framing it as an authoritarian bid for control. "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," [sic] he wrote.
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.
— Pavel Durov (@durov) February 10, 2026
In 2025, Russia had started limiting some calls on WhatsApp and messaging service Telegram while accusing foreign-owned platforms for denying the share of information with law enforcement in cases connected to fraud and terrorism. Along with these apps, Russia also blocked Apple's opens new tab video-calling app FaceTime in December.
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