Russia blocks WhatsApp? How messaging app plans to stay in touch with 100 million Russians
WhatsApp accuses Russia of trying to block its services because meta-owned messaging apps protect users’ rights to protect communications through end-to-end encryption.
WhatsApp said in a statement that Russia is trying to cut off access to more than 100 million users in the country after the platform refused to compromise on privacy compromise.
“WhatsApp is private, end-to-end encryption, violating the government’s attempt to infringe on people’s right to ensure communication, which is why Russia is trying to stop it from over 100 million Russians,” the company said.
Our statement on the Russian government’s attempt to block WhatsApp news:
WhatsApp is private, end-to-end encryption, violating the government’s attempt to infringe on people’s right to ensure communication, which is why Russia is trying to stop it from over 100 million people…
– whatsapp (@whatsapp) August 13, 2025
Russian authorities have recently begun to restrict certain telegrams and WhatsApp calls, accusing foreign-owned platforms of failure to cooperate with law enforcement to conduct fraud and terrorism investigations.
Message Service vows to continue to provide encrypted communications to users around the world, including those in Russia.
