tech
February 12, 2026
Russia replaces WhatsApp with state-sanctioned messenger
Russia confirmed Thursday that it is seeking to fully block WhatsApp access in the country, instead pushing users to use a state-sanctioned replacement for messaging.
TL;DR
- Russia aims to fully block WhatsApp access.
- Users are being urged to switch to a state-sanctioned messenger called Max.
- This follows previous restrictions on Telegram and Meta-owned platforms.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov cited Meta's unwillingness to comply with Russian law.
- WhatsApp condemned the move, emphasizing the importance of private and secure communication.
- Some WhatsApp domain names have disappeared from Russia's national register.
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