TNI Bureau: Russia has imposed a nationwide ban on WhatsApp, intensifying its efforts to regulate foreign technology platforms and strengthen control over digital communication. Officials said the decision was taken after the Meta-owned messaging service allegedly failed to comply with Russian legal and data-security requirements.

The move is part of Moscow’s broader push to promote domestic digital platforms and reduce reliance on foreign apps. Authorities have encouraged citizens to shift to state-supported messaging services, projecting them as safer and better aligned with national regulations. The ban is expected to affect millions of users who rely on WhatsApp for daily communication, business, and information sharing.

Meta expressed concern over the restriction, stating that blocking the platform could disrupt secure communication for ordinary citizens. Digital rights observers have also raised fears that the decision may further limit online freedom and increase state oversight of internet activity.

Russian authorities, however, maintain that the step is purely regulatory and aimed at ensuring compliance with national laws.

The WhatsApp ban follows earlier curbs on several foreign social media and tech platforms, reflecting Russia’s continuing drive to build a tightly controlled and self-reliant digital ecosystem.