Russia moves to block WhatsApp and throttle Telegram as it pushes a state app
4 min. read 
Published on
Russia’s internet regulator has stepped up measures to restrict WhatsApp and Telegram, aiming to push users toward a Kremlin-backed messaging service. The actions include removing WhatsApp domains from state DNS, new throttling and blocking attempts, and public statements that link access to compliance with Russian law.
The move affects tens of millions of users and comes after months of earlier restrictions on foreign platforms. Officials and messaging companies have issued strong statements. Meta, WhatsApp’s parent, warned the attempt to isolate users will reduce safety, while Telegram’s founder pledged to resist what he called pressure to force adoption of the domestic alternative.
What happened, in one line
Roskomnadzor has excluded WhatsApp domains from the national DNS and implemented further blocks and throttling. That has made web access to WhatsApp unreliable for users who do not use VPNs or third-party DNS resolvers.
“Russia is restricting access to Telegram in an attempt to force its citizens to switch to a state-controlled app built for surveillance and political censorship.” Pavel Durov, Telegram founder.
“The authorities are open to allowing WhatsApp to resume operations if Meta complies with local legislation,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in comments to the media.
Why the government is doing this
Russian authorities frame these steps as enforcement of local laws and public safety obligations. Observers see another motive: steering users to MAX, a domestic app promoted by state-linked companies and embedded deeply in the local tech stack. MAX is presented by officials as a secure, sovereign alternative, but critics warn it lacks robust end-to-end encryption and may facilitate state access to data.
Timeline and recent actions
- August 2025: Voice and video calls on WhatsApp were throttled by Russian authorities.
- October 2025: New user registrations and certain features on WhatsApp were restricted.
- Early February 2026: Roskomnadzor removed whatsapp.com and web.whatsapp.com from its DNS listings, making access unreliable without circumvention tools.
- This week: Roskomnadzor said it would impose phased restrictions on Telegram, citing non-compliance with Russian laws; Pavel Durov and Telegram reported and pushed back.
What users in Russia experience now
- Web access to WhatsApp and WhatsApp Web may fail for users using standard Russian DNS.
- Voice and video calls may be degraded or blocked depending on local routing.
- Telegram channels and certain features may be slowed or intermittently unavailable.
- VPNs or foreign DNS resolvers often restore access, but those tools are themselves a target for tighter controls.
Risks and impact
Blocking or throttling major encrypted messengers widens the country’s digital isolation. Practical effects include:
- Reduced private communication for journalists, activists, and ordinary users.
- Greater reliance on domestic platforms that may lack strong encryption.
- Operational risk for groups that depend on Telegram for coordination, including civil society and, reportedly, some official bodies.
- Economic and business friction as international services become unreliable inside Russia.
How to stay connected
- Use a trusted VPN if allowed and if it works in your region.
- Switch your device to a public DNS resolver outside Russia.
- Use alternative secure platforms with verified encryption.
- Keep apps updated and verify links and new app prompts before installing anything.
State app vs. foreign messengers
| Feature | WhatsApp / Telegram | MAX (state app) |
|---|---|---|
| End-to-end encryption | Yes (WhatsApp, Telegram optional for secret chats) | Questionable; independent reviewers report weaker protections. |
| Control and oversight | Operated by foreign companies subject to varied laws | Controlled by domestic companies and aligned with state policy. |
| Availability in Russia | Historically widely used; now restricted | Promoted and sometimes preinstalled on new devices. |
FAQ
A: Authorities have tried to fully block access by removing key domains from the national DNS and applying other restrictions. For many users, the app is unreachable without circumvention tools.
A: Telegram remains widely used, but Roskomnadzor has announced phased restrictions and throttling that may slow or limit some features. Pavel Durov and Telegram say they will resist such measures.
A: Officials argue for a sovereign communications platform that complies with Russian laws. Critics say the real aim is control and surveillance rather than improved privacy.
A: Kremlin officials have said services may be restored if companies meet Russian legal requirements. The statement leaves open what those requirements include and how they affect privacy protections.
A: Russia has tightened rules on VPNs and third-party DNS over recent years. Using circumvention tools may carry legal risk depending on enforcement. Users should weigh risks carefully.
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help VPNCentral sustain the editorial team Read more
Improve this guide
User forum
0 messages