Meta-owned WhatsApp has accused the Russian government of attempting to block access for its over 100 million users in the country, allegedly to push them toward the state-backed domestic platform Max. Russian media reported the app’s domain was completely inaccessible without a VPN, following a long-running dispute over data storage and law enforcement cooperation. The situation highlights a growing trend of digital sovereignty and the potential for decentralized communication alternatives to gain traction during government-imposed internet restrictions.
WhatsApp has accused Russian authorities of attempting to block access for millions of its users to push them toward a state-owned alternative. “Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backward step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia,” the company stated on social media.
The government has been heavily promoting its domestic platform, Max, launched in March 2025 by Russian tech firm VK. Estimates indicate Russia has the fourth-largest active monthly WhatsApp user base globally, with 72 million people.
Russian online news website Gazeta.ru reported that WhatsApp’s domain was completely blocked and inaccessible without a VPN. Presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said unblocking would require the service to follow Russian laws and show willingness to negotiate.
Moscow began limiting some calls on WhatsApp and Telegram last year, accusing them of failing to share information with law enforcement. A deputy of the State Duma, Andrey Svintsov, told state media that measures for a complete block would be adopted by the end of 2026.
Other countries have reportedly used communication restrictions during times of conflict. In December, Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine encouraged supporters to download Jack Dorsey’s decentralized service Bitchat, accusing the government of planning to cut communications ahead of an election.
The African island nation of Madagascar experienced a spike in Bitchat downloads amid protests and communication disruptions in September. Similar upticks were observed during unrest in Nepal and Indonesia earlier that same month.
