Russia blocks WhatsApp and imposes restrictions on Telegram

On February 12, 2026, the Russian government completely blocked the messaging service WhatsApp, citing its non-compliance with national legislation. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the decision, stating that parent company Meta refused to follow local regulations and suggested users switch to the state-supported application MAX. In response, WhatsApp alleged that the move was an effort to force its more than 100 million Russian users onto a state-controlled platform which critics describe as a surveillance tool. Concurrently, the regulator Roskomnadzor announced gradual restrictions on Telegram, accusing it of failing to prevent use for terrorist purposes. A Russian court also fined Telegram 11 million rubles for refusing to remove content labeled as extremist by authorities. These measures follow a period of increasing pressure that began in mid-2025 when restrictions were first placed on voice calls for both services. By December 2025, WhatsApp usage in the country had already declined by 70% to 80% according to media reports. The move reflects a broader effort by Russian authorities to establish control over foreign-owned communications infrastructure.