WhatsApp Accuses Russian Government of Trying to ‘Fully Block’ Platform - The Moscow Times
Moscow Times
February 12, 2026
WhatsApp said Thursday that the Russian government was attempting to “fully block” the messaging app as authorities intensify pressure on citizens to switch to a state-backed alternative that critics argue was designed for surveillance and political censorship. “Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backwards step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia,” WhatsApp said in a statement posted on X. “We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected,” it added. The company did not specify how access to the platform was being restricted, nor did it detail what steps it was taking to maintain service in Russia.
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Originally published on Moscow Times on 2/12/2026