National Current Affairs
Russia Blocks WhatsApp, Promotes State-Backed App
- 20 Feb 2026
- 2 min read
Why in News?
The Russian government has blocked access to the Meta-owned messaging app WhatsApp and imposed restrictions on Telegram, Russia’s two most widely used foreign messaging platforms.
Key Points:
- WhatsApp Ban: Russia has fully blocked WhatsApp, citing the platform’s alleged refusal to comply with Russian laws and regulatory requirements.
- The ban was implemented because WhatsApp did not meet local legal and security obligations.
- Regulator: The restrictions are enforced by Roskomnadzor, Russia’s state communications regulator.
- Shift to State App: The Russian government is actively promoting Max, a state-supported messaging and super-app, as a replacement for foreign-owned services.
- Restriction on Telegram: Telegram has not been fully banned.
- Authorities have introduced restrictions on the platform’s functionality and accused it of failing to remove extremist or prohibited content.
- National Security Narrative: Russian authorities argue that restricting foreign messaging apps is necessary for national security.
- These platforms allegedly facilitate criminal activity, fraud, and foreign intelligence access.
- Public Reactions: Digital rights groups criticised the WhatsApp ban and Telegram restrictions, saying they undermine privacy and free communication while promoting state-controlled platforms as part of Russia’s push for digital sovereignty.
