Meta Calls Russia’s MAX App a Surveillance Tool After WhatsApp Block

TLDR

• Russia blocked WhatsApp nationwide, affecting 100 million users who now need VPNs to access the service
• Government mandates MAX app, launching March 2025, must be pre-installed on all phones sold after September 1
• Meta calls MAX a “surveillance app” and accuses Russia of isolating users from secure communication
• Kremlin says WhatsApp can return only if Meta follows Russian data storage and law enforcement rules
• Russia also limited Telegram calls and blocked Apple FaceTime in recent months

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Russia has cut off WhatsApp access for its 100 million users as part of a campaign to force citizens onto a government-controlled messaging platform. The block went into effect Wednesday, making the Meta-owned service inaccessible without a VPN.

The Russian government is promoting MAX, a state-backed messaging app developed by tech company VK. MAX launched in March 2025 as Russia’s answer to foreign messaging services. The platform will become mandatory on all smartphones sold in Russia starting September 1, 2025.

WhatsApp condemned the move in a public statement. The company said Russia is trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication. Meta accused Russian authorities of pushing users toward what it calls a “state-owned surveillance app.”

The messaging service vowed to continue working to keep users connected. Russia ranks as the fourth-largest WhatsApp market globally, with 72 million active monthly users behind only Indonesia, Brazil, and India.

Kremlin Sets Conditions for Return

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov outlined conditions for WhatsApp’s return to Russia. Speaking to state news agency TASS, he said Meta must comply with Russian legislation and enter dialogue with authorities.

Peskov explained that if Meta takes an uncompromising position and refuses to align with Russian laws, no agreement is possible. The requirements include storing Russian user data within the country and sharing information with law enforcement.

Russian news outlet Gazeta.ru confirmed the complete domain block on Wednesday. The outlet cited TASS reporting that negotiations remain possible if Meta changes its position. Roskomnadzor, Russia’s telecom regulator, removed WhatsApp from its official online directory.

Escalating Tech Restrictions

Russia began limiting WhatsApp and Telegram calls in 2024. Authorities accused both platforms of refusing to cooperate with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism investigations. The government also claimed the services failed to store Russian user data domestically.

State Duma deputy Andrey Svintsov announced in January that Russia’s telecom regulator planned to completely block WhatsApp by the end of 2026. The current block appears to have moved up that timeline significantly.

Russia blocked Apple’s FaceTime video-calling app in December. The country has steadily increased pressure on foreign tech companies since its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Moscow seeks greater control over its internet infrastructure and communication platforms.

Critics have raised concerns about MAX’s surveillance capabilities. State media dismissed these accusations as false. The government continues promoting MAX as a secure domestic alternative to foreign messaging services.

Global Communication Restrictions

Other countries have imposed similar communication restrictions during political tensions. Uganda’s opposition leader Bobi Wine urged supporters to download decentralized messaging app Bitchat in December. He accused the government of planning communication cuts before elections.

Madagascar saw a spike in Bitchat downloads during September protests and communication disruptions. Nepal and Indonesia experienced similar increases during civil unrest earlier that month. Meta and Roskomnadzor have not responded to requests for comment on the WhatsApp block.

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