WhatsApp. File Image
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WhatsApp stated Wednesday (February 11, 2026) that Russia “tried to completely block” the messaging app within the nation to push customers to a competing state-controlled service, probably affecting 100 million individuals.
Moscow has been making an attempt to nudge Russians to make use of a extra tightly managed home on-line service.
It has threatened a number of web platforms with pressured slowdowns or outright bans if they don’t adjust to Russian legal guidelines, together with these requiring information on Russian customers to be saved contained in the nation.
“At the moment the Russian authorities tried to completely block WhatsApp in an effort to drive individuals to a state-owned surveillance app,” WhatsApp posted on X.
“Attempting to isolate over 100 million customers from non-public and safe communication is a backwards step and might solely result in much less security for individuals in Russia,” WhatsApp added.
“We proceed to do every part we are able to to maintain customers related.”
Critics and rights campaigners say the Russian restrictions are a clear try by the Kremlin to ramp up management and surveillance over web use in Russia, amid a sweeping crackdown on dissent through the Ukraine offensive.
The most recent developments got here after Russia’s web watchdog stated on Tuesday (February 10) it could slap “phased restrictions” on the Telegram messaging platform, which it stated had not complied with the legal guidelines.
Revealed – February 12, 2026 12:02 pm IST