December 3, 2025 | 11:06 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Russian communication regulatory body, Roskomnadzor, is threatening to completely block WhatsApp in Russia if it continues to disregard Moscow's crime prevention requirements.
Al Arabiya reported that this threat comes as an escalation following months of tightening restrictions on foreign messaging platforms.
In August, Russia began restricting some voice and video calls on WhatsApp and Telegram. The Kremlin accused both services of refusing to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases.
However, these restrictions have not prevented WhatsApp from being the most widely used messaging service in Russia, as reported by The Moscow Times, cited by NDTV.
On Friday, November 28, Roskomnadzor reiterated its accusation that WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, continues to violate legal obligations intended to "prevent and combat crime," as reported by Interfax.
The regulator warned that "if the messaging service continues to fail to meet the demands of Russian legislation, it will be completely blocked," Interfax reported.
WhatsApp responded, stating that Moscow is attempting to prevent millions of Russians from accessing secure communication.
Meanwhile, Russian authorities claim that the application is being abused to organize terrorist attacks and recruit perpetrators, according to Bloomberg as cited by NDTV.
Moscow is also pressuring telecommunications operators.
Reports in Russian media indicate that in October, mobile operators were instructed not to send SMS codes for registering or logging out of WhatsApp.
This prompted WhatsApp to introduce password-based logins for Russian users.
MAX Application
This deadlock occurs as the Kremlin promotes MAX, a new state-backed alternative application developed based on a law signed by President Vladimir Putin in June.
Modeled on China's WeChat and developed by the government-controlled VK Co., MAX is designed to integrate messaging services, banking, public services, and document storage.
Currently, MAX is mandatory on all smartphones and computers sold in Russia and is marketed as a secure platform for schools, universities, and government institutions.
Critics warn that MAX could enable state surveillance of users, although Russian state media has dismissed these claims. Despite its growing user base, the application still lags far behind WhatsApp and Telegram.
Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has systematically tightened control over online platforms outside its jurisdiction. Facebook, Instagram, and X have been banned, while access to YouTube continues to be restricted.
TikTok's reach has also declined after Russia restricted access to foreign content in response to new legal requirements.
This is one of the latest moves in Russia's efforts to enforce compliance for social media companies in Russia. Human Rights Watch reported that Russia's government is currently tightening its censorship policies against social media and other applications.
Accessing foreign websites and popular social media platforms in Russia, such as Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube, is largely impossible without a Virtual Private Network (VPN), a tool that allows users to bypass censorship.
Editor’s Choice: OpenAI Says ChatGPT Will Stop Working on WhatsApp by January 2026
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
US Envoy Witkoff to Meet Putin Tomorrow to Discuss Ukraine Peace Plan
2 hari lalu
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday.
Russia Warns Japan Against Deploying Missiles on Border Islands
4 hari lalu
The placement of Japan's missiles on border islands poses a serious threat to neighboring countries, including Russia.
US, Ukraine Hold New Peace Talks in Geneva
9 hari lalu
The U.S. and Ukraine held discussions in Geneva to address a new proposal aimed at advancing peace efforts between Ukraine and Russia.
Rivaling the US, Europe Puts Forward a New Peace Proposal for Ukraine
12 hari lalu
Dissatisfied with the U.S. proposal for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, European leaders are preparing their own counterproposal.
Zelenskyy Ready to Work with the US on Path Toward Ending the Russia-Ukraine War
12 hari lalu
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky is ready to work with the United States to discuss the peace plan proposed by Washington to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Trump's Peace Plan for Ukraine: What We Know So Far
12 hari lalu
A new peace proposal for Ukraine drafted by President Donald Trump's administration suggests significant concessions by Kyiv.
Russia's Sistema Group in Talks with PAL Indonesia on Electric Shipbuilding Partnership
13 hari lalu
The potential for collaboration with Russia is significant, as Indonesia needs environmentally friendly maritime transportation.
Indonesia Partners with Russia's Sistema Group on Electric Shipbuilding, Pharma Projects
13 hari lalu
Indonesia is exploring potential partnerships with Russia's Sistema Group to develop pharmaceutical capabilities and build electric passenger ships.
Indonesia, Russia Explore Cooperation in Maritime and Shipbuilding Sectors
27 hari lalu
Indonesia and Russia agreed on six key areas of cooperation, including shipbuilding, technology transfer, and marine resource management.
Putin Unveils Plans for Russia's Next-Generation Nuclear Cruise Missile
28 hari lalu
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the commencement of the development of a new generation nuclear-powered cruise missile with hypersonic capabilities.
