WhatsApp claims Russia attempted to completely block its services. This move comes months after a partial ban on voice calls.
In August 2025, Russian authorities restricted voice calling on WhatsApp and Telegram. At the time, officials said they wanted to stop criminal and terrorist activities. These activities allegedly used foreign messaging platforms.
However, WhatsApp now says the government has taken further steps. According to the company, officials tried to prevent the platform from operating entirely in the country.
Why Russia Previously Restricted WhatsApp
First, Russia imposed a partial ban on voice calls. Officials argued that criminals used these features for scams and illegal acts.
As a result, regulators blocked voice calling services. However, they allowed regular messaging features to continue. Therefore, users could still send texts and media files.
At the same time, lawmakers increased pressure on foreign digital platforms. They demanded stricter oversight of services operating inside Russia.
WhatsApp Warns of Privacy Risks for 100 Million Users
Meanwhile, WhatsApp raised concerns about user privacy. In a post on X, the company said Russia attempted to “fully block” the platform on Thursday.
According to WhatsApp, this action may support Russia’s state-backed messaging app, Max. However, authorities have not announced an official nationwide ban yet.
If a full ban happens, more than 100 million users could lose access to end-to-end encryption. In addition, they may lose other privacy protections.
Therefore, WhatsApp warned that users might turn to less secure communication tools. “We will continue doing everything we can to keep users connected,” the company stated.
Regulator’s Claims Against WhatsApp and Telegram
Earlier, Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, justified the restrictions. Officials claimed criminals misused voice calls to scam citizens.
Furthermore, they said fraudsters used these services for extortion and illegal activities. Law enforcement agencies reportedly raised serious concerns.
Because of these claims, regulators requested stronger countermeasures from both companies. However, authorities later said the platforms failed to respond adequately.
VPN Services Helped Users Bypass Restrictions
Although the partial ban applied nationwide, many users found workarounds. Specifically, they used VPN services to bypass the restrictions.
As a result, voice calls remained accessible for some users despite the official block.
Growing Pressure on Foreign Messaging Platforms
Overall, this situation shows increasing pressure on foreign-owned digital platforms in Russia. While the government has not confirmed a total ban, tensions remain high.
In the coming months, stricter measures could follow. For now, millions of Russian users continue to rely on WhatsApp. However, uncertainty about its long-term availability still exists.