Russia is going to block Meta Platforms-owned WhatsApp, the company said on Wednesday, as authorities increase control over foreign technology services and promote a state-backed alternative.

 

A WhatsApp spokesperson said the move appeared aimed at directing users toward a “state-owned surveillance app.” Russian authorities are promoting a rival messaging service called MAX, which critics claim could enable monitoring of users. State media has rejected these claims as false.

 

“We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected,” WhatsApp said in a statement. The app has an estimated 100 million users in Russia and 3 billion monthly users globally.

 

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Meta could resume operations if it complies with Russian law and engages in dialogue with authorities. “Then we have the possibility of reaching an agreement,” he said, adding that without such cooperation, there is “no chance.”

 

The Financial Times reported that Russian authorities have removed WhatsApp from an online directory maintained by the communications regulator, Roskomnadzor.

 

The dispute over WhatsApp is part of a broader tension between Moscow and foreign technology firms. Authorities have previously restricted services on messaging apps including Signal and Telegram, citing non-cooperation in investigations related to fraud and terrorism. In December, Apple’s FaceTime video calling service was also blocked.

 

Reports on Tuesday indicated that Russian users of Telegram experienced slow traffic and lagging downloads. Roskomnadzor issued a warning over violations that had not been addressed.

 

Telegram founder Pavel Durov, who was born in Russia, responded to the pressure, stating the app “stands for freedom and privacy, no matter the pressure.”