Overview
- Roskomnadzor removed whatsapp.com and web.whatsapp.com from the national DNS, leaving access largely dependent on VPNs or external resolvers.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the block and urged citizens to use MAX, which has been required on new devices since September 2025.
- Telegram users reported major slowdowns earlier in the week, and authorities said the company would face fines for failing to comply with local rules.
- An internet freedom group reported 13 domains were deleted from Russia’s DNS this week, including entries for Facebook, YouTube, and several international news outlets.
- WhatsApp said Russia is trying to drive users to a surveillance app, while independent reviewers warn MAX lacks end-to-end encryption and shares data with authorities.