The Russian communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, has intensified its campaign against WhatsApp, labeling it the next target in the country’s “digital iron curtain.” As of early 2026, the platform is experiencing severe technical disruptions, with some reports indicating that data speeds for the app have been throttled by up to 80%. These measures follow a series of restrictions that began in August 2025, which primarily targeted voice and video calling features. The government has justified these actions by claiming the Meta-owned platform is used for “organizing terrorist activities” and refuses to share encryption keys or user data with local law enforcement.
The pressure on WhatsApp is part of a systematic effort to force international tech companies to comply with domestic data storage laws. Unlike Facebook and Instagram, which were banned in 2022, WhatsApp remained accessible due to its status as a primary communication tool for over 97 million Russians. However, officials have now stated there is a “99% chance” of a total block if the service does not meet the state’s legal requirements by the end of the year. In response, WhatsApp has maintained its commitment to end-to-end encryption, stating it will continue to resist attempts to violate the secure communication rights of its users.
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The rise of state-backed alternatives
To fill the gap left by restricted Western services, the Russian government is heavily promoting its own state-developed “superapp” called MAX. Launched in March 2025 and developed by VK, MAX is modeled after the Chinese platform WeChat, integrating messaging, banking, and government services into a single interface. Since September 1, 2025, the Russian government has mandated that MAX be pre-installed on all new smartphones and tablets sold within the country.
While authorities claim MAX is a more secure alternative, independent security researchers have raised concerns about its “enormous surveillance potential.” Technical analyses suggest the app lacks the end-to-end encryption found in competitors like WhatsApp or Signal and is designed to store all communications on government-controlled servers in real-time. Despite these concerns, the app’s user base has grown to approximately 45 million registered users as the state uses billboards, school programs, and mandatory pre-installation to drive adoption.
Impact on users and the VPN crackdown
The restrictions have already caused a 27% drop in average weekly WhatsApp usage among Russians, who are increasingly migrating to Telegram or domestic apps. For those attempting to bypass these blocks, the legal environment has become significantly more dangerous. A law passed in late 2025 introduced new penalties for users who utilize VPN services to access “extremist content,” which now includes platforms owned by Meta. Furthermore, the Russian government has forced Apple and Google to remove hundreds of VPN applications from their respective app stores within the region.
As of January 2026, the situation remains highly volatile. While some users still manage to access WhatsApp through obfuscated VPN protocols, the “soft squeeze” of American technology is making reliable communication increasingly difficult. International human rights organizations have condemned these moves, describing the coordinated blocking of encrypted apps and the promotion of state-monitored software as a direct campaign against personal privacy and free speech.
