Russia, a long-time ally of India, may soon impose a complete ban on WhatsApp. The country’s state communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has issued a sharp warning to the messaging platform, stating that WhatsApp could be blocked entirely if it continues to ignore Russian regulations.
In recent months, Russia has tightened its control on foreign messaging apps. Back in August, Roskomnadzor restricted voice and video calling on WhatsApp and Telegram, claiming the move was necessary to curb fraud. Both platforms criticised the decision, yet WhatsApp remains the most widely used messaging service in Russia.
Regulator accuses WhatsApp of repeated non-compliance
According to reports, Roskomnadzor renewed its warning on 28 November, accusing WhatsApp of repeatedly refusing to follow Russian laws designed to prevent criminal activities. Citing Interfax, news agencies reported that the regulator made it clear: if WhatsApp continues to defy the legal requirements, the government will not hesitate to block the app nationwide.
Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, has previously accused the Russian government of trying to prevent millions of people from using secure messaging. Meanwhile, Russian authorities claim that WhatsApp is being misused. Some reports allege that the platform is being used for planning terror attacks and for recruitment activities, concerns that the government says cannot be ignored.
Login issues and Russia’s new rival app
In October, Russian media reported that mobile operators were instructed not to send SMS verification codes to users trying to create new WhatsApp accounts or log back in. In response, WhatsApp introduced PassKey login for users in Russia.
At the same time, the government has been heavily promoting its own messaging app, ‘Max’, developed by state-owned company VK. Designed to function similarly to China’s WeChat, Max is being pitched as a secure option for schools, colleges and government offices. New phones and computers sold in Russia will now come pre-installed with the app, although WhatsApp and Telegram continue to dominate in popularity.
