Why is Russia Banning WhatsApp and Telegram?

Russia's latest move to block WhatsApp messaging services could signal an escalating shift towards state-controlled digital infrastructure, raising significant concerns about data sovereignty and surveillance capabilities.

Domain names associated with the application were removed from Russia's national register of domain names, effectively cutting off access for devices within the country and forcing users to turn to virtual private networks (VPNs) to maintain connectivity.

The messaging platform responded by characterising the action as an attempt to push citizens towards a “state-owned surveillance app”.

WhatsApp says that: “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. ”

The company confirmed it continues to pursue all available options to keep users connected.

This restriction extends beyond WhatsApp alone. The government recently moved to limit access to Telegram, another widely-used messaging platform with an estimated 90 million monthly users in Russia.

Pavel Durov, the Russian-born billionaire and Chief Executive of Telegram, characterises Russia's attempt to ban his platform as an effort to drive users toward a  “homegrown app” that is “fully transparent to the government, ” thereby limiting access to information.

“Restricting citizens' freedom is never the right answer,” Pavel notes, emphasising that “Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy, no matter the pressure.”

State-controlled surveillance infrastructure

MAX, described as a super app (an all-in-one platform combining multiple services), was developed by Russian technology firm VK. It draws its model from China's WeChat – an application that critics have flagged as a potential surveillance mechanism.

The platform functions as an all-in-one solution providing access to government digital services and banking capabilities whilst simultaneously operating as a messaging service.

Launched in 2025, MAX installation is now mandatory on all new devices sold in Russia.

Public servants, teachers and students are required to use the platform. This makes adoption effectively unavoidable for large segments of the population.

Russian authorities have dismissed concerns regarding MAX's potential use for surveillance as unfounded.

Digital isolation tactics

Russia's approach bears similarity to China's strategy of maintaining strict control over western social media access through a “great firewall”, as the country experiences ongoing internet connectivity disruptions.

Meta applications including Instagram and Facebook were banned in Russia in 2022 after authorities designated Meta as an extremist organisation.

This classification makes accessing these applications a criminal offence within Russian territory.

Additional social platforms including LinkedIn, Discord, X, Snapchat and TikTok face similar bans or restrictions in the country.

Pavel draws parallels with Iran's blocking of Telegram based on what he described as fabricated justifications, attempting to force users onto state-controlled alternatives. “Iran tried the same strategy – and failed,” he adds.

Regulatory compliance questions

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov characterises the decision to block WhatsApp as “a question of fulfilling the legislation”, suggesting that if Meta agrees to comply with state regulations, an agreement could be reached.

This splinternet strategy of fragmenting the global internet order into isolated digital territories, combined with Russian technical measures such as the 16 KB Curtain – which limits initial data loads to just 16 KB – could significantly disrupt access to modern services.

Such restrictions pose risks not only to personal freedom but could also damage economic activity that relies on unrestricted digital communication and commerce.