The latest warning comes after a series of restrictions imposed in August 2025, when Russia began limiting certain WhatsApp and Telegram calls, citing the platforms’ alleged refusal to share data with authorities in fraud and terrorism investigations. On Friday, Roskomnadzor reiterated that WhatsApp has yet to comply with regulations designed to assist Russian law enforcement in preventing and combating crime.
“If the messaging service continues to fail to meet the demands of Russian legislation, it will be completely blocked,” the Interfax news agency quoted the watchdog as saying.
WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, has accused Moscow of attempting to restrict access to secure communications for millions of Russian users. The move also coincides with efforts by authorities to promote a state-backed messaging app, MAX, which has drawn criticism from privacy advocates who fear potential government surveillance. Russian state media have dismissed such concerns as unfounded.
The development underscores growing tensions between global technology companies and Russian authorities, highlighting ongoing debates over user privacy, data access, and government oversight in the country’s digital landscape.