Although WhatsApp remains available in Russia for now, increasing signals from Russian government circles indicate a growing likelihood of it being officially banned in the country. This is due to several political and security reasons, as well as Moscow's push to strengthen what it calls “digital sovereignty.”
Background: WhatsApp Under Russian Scrutiny
Since Meta — the parent company of WhatsApp — was classified as an “extremist organization” in Russia in 2022, platforms like Facebook and Instagram have been banned in the country. WhatsApp initially escaped this fate, as it is a personal messaging app rather than a platform for public content distribution.
However, this began to change by the end of 2024, when Russian authorities added WhatsApp to the “Register of Information Dissemination Organizers,” which legally obliges the app to store Russian user data locally and provide it to security agencies upon request. So far, WhatsApp has not complied with these requirements, exposing it to penalties that could lead to a full ban.
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Motives Behind the Potential Ban
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Non-compliance with Local Legislation
Meta refuses to comply with Russian law regarding local data storage and sharing it with the Federal Security Service (FSB), which the Russian government views as a direct national security threat. -
Pursuit of Digital Sovereignty
Russia is working to reduce its dependence on foreign digital services, especially those from countries labeled as “unfriendly.” In June 2024, President Vladimir Putin signed a law promoting the development of a national alternative to WhatsApp, similar to China’s WeChat, expected to launch in September 2025. -
Security Concerns
Russian officials, such as MP Andrey Nemkin, have described WhatsApp as a “legal breach of national security,” citing the state's inability to monitor or control its content.
The "Vlad" Project: Russia’s WhatsApp Alternative
The Russian government aims to launch a domestic messaging app known as “Vlad,” named after President Vladimir Putin. It is being developed by the VK Group (which operates the popular VK social network) and will be integrated with government services such as digital signatures and identity verification — making it more of a super app, akin to WeChat.
The government is expected to support the app with steps like:
- Gradually slowing down WhatsApp and Telegram speeds
- Offering incentives to use the domestic app
- Imposing legal or technical restrictions on foreign alternatives
WhatsApp’s Popularity in Russia: An Obstacle to a Ban?
Despite the threats, WhatsApp remains the most popular messaging app in Russia, with statistics showing that around 68–70% of the population (roughly 90 million people) use it daily, followed by Telegram at 55%.
This widespread popularity poses a significant challenge to the government's efforts to push users toward its national app. Any attempt to ban WhatsApp is likely to face resistance from users, particularly through the use of VPNs and other circumvention tools, as was the case with Facebook and Instagram.
Reactions and Human Rights Concerns
Human rights organizations, such as the Internet Protection Society, have warned that the new app could become a tool for increased government surveillance and further restrictions on freedom of expression. These concerns are not new, especially given Russia’s history of internet monitoring and content blocking in recent years.
Meta has not issued any official comment on these developments so far.
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In Conclusion: What Might Happen in September 2025?
If WhatsApp continues to defy Russian data localization laws, it is likely to be officially banned by September 2025, coinciding with the launch of the national app “Vlad.” However, the success of this transition will depend on how well users accept the new platform and how aggressively the government enforces restrictions on alternatives.
The Future of Messaging in Russia: A Split Between Popularity and Control?
The year 2025 will be pivotal in shaping the future of digital communication in Russia. While the government strives to impose local alternatives for reasons of sovereignty and security, the Russian user’s decision — especially with access to circumvention tools — remains the most influential factor in determining the success or failure of these plans.