Russia has escalated its crackdown on foreign-owned digital platforms, warning that WhatsApp could be completely blocked nationwide. According to reports from TASS and other outlets, Roskomnadzor said on Friday that restrictions already placed on WhatsApp could be expanded into a total ban if the service continues to resist compliance with Russian legislation The Star The Straits Times US News.
The watchdog accused WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, of being used to organize terrorist acts, recruit perpetrators, and commit fraud against Russian citizens Deccan Chronicle. Officials argue that the messaging service has failed to provide required cooperation with law enforcement, particularly in investigations tied to national security.
Russia had already blocked voice calls on WhatsApp in August 2025, part of a broader campaign to limit Western-owned social media platforms. Telegram, another popular messaging app, has faced similar restrictions. Analysts say the moves are designed to push Russians toward state-backed alternatives, such as the government-promoted app MAX The Independent.
Context and Implications
This threat reflects Moscow’s wider internet sovereignty strategy, which has intensified since the war in Ukraine. By targeting WhatsApp, Russia is signaling its determination to control digital communications and reduce reliance on Western tech companies.
For Russian users, a full ban would mean losing access to one of the country’s most widely used messaging platforms, potentially disrupting personal communication, business operations, and diaspora connections. Critics argue that the crackdown is less about crime prevention and more about tightening control over information flow and dissent.
Globally, the move underscores the growing fragmentation of the internet, where geopolitical tensions increasingly dictate access to platforms. If enforced, Russia’s ban on WhatsApp would join similar restrictions on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, further isolating Russian users from international digital networks.
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