Overview
- Roskomnadzor warned it will completely block WhatsApp unless the service complies with Russian law, repeating accusations that the app is used for terrorism and fraud.
- Users in Moscow and other regions reported access problems as the regulator said restrictions would continue to expand after earlier limits on voice and video calls in August.
- Authorities urged a switch to MAX, the government-backed messenger developed with VK that is now mandated to be pre-installed on devices sold in Russia.
- Rights advocates caution that MAX lacks end-to-end encryption and could widen surveillance, while WhatsApp remains one of Russia’s most widely used messaging apps.
- Reports said mobile operators had curbed SMS codes for registration in October, prompting WhatsApp to roll out passkey logins, and Meta has argued Moscow is trying to cut off secure communication.