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Home > Finance > WhatsApp says Russia tried to fully block service to push state app

WhatsApp says Russia tried to fully block service to push state app

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®

Posted on February 12, 2026

2 min read

Last updated: February 12, 2026

WhatsApp says Russia tried to fully block service to push state app - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review

Tags:financial community technology innovation Cryptocurrencies Digital banking

Quick Summary

Russia has banned WhatsApp, affecting over 100 million users. The ban is part of broader restrictions on Meta Platforms, reported by the Financial Times.

Russia Attempts to Fully Block WhatsApp to Promote State App

Russia's Block on WhatsApp and Its Implications

Feb 11 (Reuters) - Russia has attempted to "fully block" Meta Platforms-owned WhatsApp in the country, a company spokesperson told Reuters on Wednesday, as it has been promoting home-grown platforms and seeks greater control over its internet space.

State-Owned Rival MAX

The Financial Times previously reported the news, saying Russian authorities have removed the messaging application - which has about 100 million users - from the equivalent of an online directory run by Roskomnadzor - the Russian internet regulator.

Kremlin's Response to WhatsApp

WhatsApp said the block is Russia's efforts to drive users to a "state-owned surveillance app."

User Surveillance Concerns

"We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected," the company said.

Kremlin did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comment.

Russian authorities are pushing a state-backed rival app called MAX, which critics claim could be used to track users. State media have dismissed those accusations as false.

Last year, Russia began limiting some calls on the messaging service, and on Telegram - another similar service, accusing the foreign-owned platforms of refusing to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases.

(Reporting by Mrinmay Dey in Mexico City; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu)

Key Takeaways

•Russia has banned WhatsApp, affecting over 100 million users.
•The ban is part of broader restrictions on Meta Platforms.
•WhatsApp was removed from Russia's online directory.
•The decision was reported by the Financial Times.
•The ban raises concerns about digital communication access.

Frequently Asked Questions about WhatsApp says Russia tried to fully block service to push state app

1What is WhatsApp?

WhatsApp is a messaging application owned by Meta Platforms, allowing users to send text messages, voice messages, make voice and video calls, and share images and documents over the internet.

2What is digital banking?

Digital banking refers to the digitization of all traditional banking activities, allowing customers to conduct banking transactions online through mobile apps or websites.

3What are cryptocurrencies?

Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual currencies that use cryptography for security, making them difficult to counterfeit. They operate on decentralized networks based on blockchain technology.

Russia's Block on WhatsApp and Its Implications

State-Owned Rival MAX

Kremlin's Response to WhatsApp

WhatsApp said the block is Russia's efforts to drive users to a "state-owned surveillance app."

User Surveillance Concerns

"We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected," the company said.

Kremlin did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comment.

Russian authorities are pushing a state-backed rival app called MAX, which critics claim could be used to track users. State media have dismissed those accusations as false.

(Reporting by Mrinmay Dey in Mexico City; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu)

Frequently Asked Questions

1What is WhatsApp?

WhatsApp is a messaging application owned by Meta Platforms, allowing users to send text messages, voice messages, make voice and video calls, and share images and documents over the internet.

2What is digital banking?

Digital banking refers to the digitization of all traditional banking activities, allowing customers to conduct banking transactions online through mobile apps or websites.

3What are cryptocurrencies?

Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual currencies that use cryptography for security, making them difficult to counterfeit. They operate on decentralized networks based on blockchain technology.