Russia Fully Blocks WhatsApp, Talks Up State-backed Alternative

2026-02-14 - 00:26

RUSSIA – Russia has now completely blocked WhatsApp – a popular U.S.-owned messaging app, for failing to comply with local law. The Kremlin says the move was necessary because Meta – WhatsApp’s parent company, refused to meet Russian legal requirements. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov urges Russians to switch to a state-backed messenger called MAX, describing it as a “national messenger.” WhatsApp says cutting off more than 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backwards step, and will make people less safe. The block is part of a broader push by Russian authorities to control a “sovereign” internet as the war in Ukraine continues.