WhatsApp Accuses Russian Government of Trying to Fully Block Platform
Moscow Times11 hrs
Russia Blocks WhatsApp Over Refusal to Comply With Law
Is Russia enforcing laws against non-compliant tech companies or forcing citizens onto government surveillance tools?
Above: Whatsapp logo on a smartphone screen in Moscow on Nov. 10, 2021. Image credit: Yuri Kadobnov/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Russia narrative
Foreign tech companies must follow the law like everyone else. Meta refuses to establish a legal office in Russia, ignores court-ordered fines and won't remove illegal content or help prevent terrorist attacks. WhatsApp has been caught stealing user data and serves as a surveillance tool for foreign intelligence agencies.
Anti-Russia narrative
Russia just blocked WhatsApp along with YouTube, Facebook and Instagram by removing them from state-controlled DNS servers. The real goal is forcing citizens onto Max, a government messenger with zero encryption, just before the 2026 elections. Cutting off 100 million people from secure communication makes everyone less safe.
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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0