Moscow: Russia has blocked WhatsApp, the messaging platform owned by Meta, citing alleged non-compliance with domestic regulations. The app, which reportedly has around 100 million active users in Russia, is no longer accessible nationwide.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Thursday that the decision to block the service had been taken and implemented. Authorities have encouraged users to switch to a locally developed, government-backed messaging platform known as Max.
The country’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, had previously warned WhatsApp to comply with Russian laws. The regulator has since removed the platform from its register of approved online services. In recent months, officials have stepped up initiatives aimed at directing users toward state-supported alternatives.
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