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Russia intensifies communication blockade by targeting WhatsApp and Telegram

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1 unique sources, 1 articles

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The Russian government is escalating its crackdown on communication platforms outside its control, attempting to block WhatsApp and aggressively throttling Telegram. This follows previous restrictions on WhatsApp, including throttling voice and video calls and blocking new user registrations. The move is part of a broader effort to push citizens toward the Kremlin-controlled MAX messenger app, which has been mandatory on electronic devices since September 2025. WhatsApp has condemned the action, stating it will continue efforts to keep users connected. The Russian internet watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has cited countering crime and fraud as the reason for these measures.

Timeline

  1. 13.02.2026 00:57 1 articles · 23h ago

    Russia escalates communication blockade by targeting WhatsApp and Telegram

    The Russian government is attempting to fully block WhatsApp and has aggressively throttled Telegram, part of a broader effort to push citizens toward the Kremlin-controlled MAX messenger app. WhatsApp has condemned the action, and Telegram's founder has highlighted the government's push for MAX. The MAX app, mandatory on electronic devices since September 2025, has been criticized for encryption weaknesses and extensive data-collection risks.

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Information Snippets

  • Roskomnadzor excluded WhatsApp domains from the National Domain Name System, making the service inaccessible without VPNs or external resolvers.

    First reported: 13.02.2026 00:57
    1 source, 1 article
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  • WhatsApp's parent company, Meta, has been designated as an 'extremist' entity in Russia since 2022.

    First reported: 13.02.2026 00:57
    1 source, 1 article
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  • WhatsApp first faced restrictions in Russia in August 2025, with throttled voice and video calls, followed by blocked new user registrations in October 2025.

    First reported: 13.02.2026 00:57
    1 source, 1 article
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  • Telegram was aggressively throttled earlier this week in Russia, with founder Pavel Durov stating the government is pushing citizens toward the MAX messenger app.

    First reported: 13.02.2026 00:57
    1 source, 1 article
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  • MAX, developed by VK, has been mandatory on electronic devices sold in Russia since September 2025 and has raised concerns about encryption weaknesses and government access.

    First reported: 13.02.2026 00:57
    1 source, 1 article
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