Russia has officially blocked the popular messaging service WhatsApp, citing the app’s failure to comply with local legislation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Thursday. The move affects over 100 million Russian users and comes amid a broader push to control internet communications in the country.

Peskov said the decision stemmed from WhatsApp’s “reluctance to comply with the norms and letter of Russian law.” The Kremlin promoted Max, a domestic messaging app without end-to-end encryption, as a viable alternative for Russian users, claiming it is a “national messenger” under development.

Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, stated that Russia appears to be attempting a full-scale block of the platform to force users onto Max. WhatsApp emphasized it is continuing efforts to keep users connected despite the restrictions.

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Rights activists and critics argue that the ban is part of the Kremlin’s wider surveillance strategy, enabling authorities to monitor communications and curb digital freedoms. Many see the move as a step toward increasing state control over online activity in Russia.

The WhatsApp ban follows a similar crackdown on Telegram, Russia’s other major messaging service, which the country’s internet watchdog has threatened with “phased restrictions” for allegedly failing to comply with local laws. Moscow has long sought to shift users to state-monitored platforms, raising concerns about privacy and censorship.

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