Amanze Chinonye
WhatsApp says the Russian government has moved to “fully block” its encrypted messaging service across the country, in what appears to be a coordinated effort to steer users toward a newly promoted state-sponsored platform.
The Meta Platforms Inc.-owned company said Wednesday it was doing everything possible to keep its more than 100 million users in Russia connected after reports that millions were abruptly cut off from the service.
The Financial Times reported that access to the app was widely disrupted, leaving users unable to send or receive messages without technical workarounds.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a statement, WhatsApp described the action as an attempt to isolate users from secure, private communications. The platform is one of the most widely used messaging services in Russia and relies on end-to-end encryption to protect user conversations.
The disruption comes as Russian authorities intensify efforts to promote a state-run “super-app” known as Max, modeled after China’s WeChat. Beyond messaging, Max integrates access to government services, document storage, banking functions and other public and commercial programs, positioning it as a comprehensive digital ecosystem.
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Critics have raised concerns that Max does not provide the same level of end-to-end encryption as WhatsApp, potentially enabling greater state oversight of communications. Russian officials have framed the development as part of a broader strategy to strengthen domestic digital infrastructure and reduce reliance on foreign technology companies.
The clampdown has not been limited to WhatsApp. Telegram, another widely used messaging platform in Russia, has also faced renewed pressure. The RBC news service reported that Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, planned to restrict access to Telegram this week, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.
The latest measures form part of Russia’s wider push for “digital sovereignty,” a policy direction that has already seen Facebook and Instagram also owned by Meta restricted in the country after the company was designated an extremist organization by Russian authorities.
While some users may attempt to bypass the WhatsApp block through virtual private networks (VPNs), analysts say the move signals a decisive shift toward domestically controlled communication platforms and tighter state regulation of the online space.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
