Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, has warned it may fully block WhatsApp if the messaging app does not comply with Russian laws, according to news agencies.
The threat comes amid ongoing tensions between Moscow and foreign-owned messaging platforms. In August, Russia restricted some WhatsApp and Telegram calls, accusing companies like Meta of refusing to share information with authorities in fraud and terrorism investigations.
Roskomnadzor reiterated its stance on Friday, saying WhatsApp has failed to meet Russian legal requirements aimed at preventing crime. “If the messaging service continues to fail to meet the demands of Russian legislation, it will be completely blocked,” Interfax cited the regulator as saying.
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WhatsApp has accused Russian authorities of attempting to cut off millions of users from secure communications. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has been promoting a state-backed messaging app called MAX, which critics say could be used to track users, a claim state media deny.
The WhatsApp warning comes as Russia tightens its control over the internet. Mobile network shutdowns in recent months have affected dozens of regions, officially to thwart Ukrainian drone attacks. These outages have disrupted daily life, affecting ATMs, public transport payments, and medical monitoring for vulnerable populations.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov defended the shutdowns, calling them “absolutely justified and necessary.” However, analysts like Kateryna Stepanenko of the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War question their effectiveness, noting that drone attacks on Russian oil refineries have continued despite the disruptions.
During these blackouts, only government-approved websites and services on official “white lists” remain accessible to users in affected regions.