Russia announced on Friday that it is considering a complete ban on the WhatsApp messaging app, in a new escalation against Western technology companies. The Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor) accused the Meta-owned app of failing to remove content deemed illegal by Moscow and of being used in criminal and terrorist activities, thus opening the door to its complete removal from users in Russia.
Historical context of “sovereign internet” policy
This threat doesn't arise in a vacuum; it's part of a long-standing Russian strategy known as "sovereign internet." This policy aims to strengthen state control over the digital space and reduce reliance on foreign infrastructure and platforms. This campaign has been taking on more serious dimensions for years, with Russia banning platforms like LinkedIn in 2016 for refusing to store Russian user data within the country. These measures accelerated significantly after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when Moscow designated Meta a "terrorist organization," leading to the banning of Facebook and Instagram. WhatsApp was initially exempted because it is a messaging service, not a platform for disseminating public information.
The importance of the decision and its potential impact
A potential ban on WhatsApp would be a major blow to millions of users in Russia who rely on it daily for personal and business communication. This measure would force citizens toward state-backed alternatives like VKontakte (VK) or Telegram, which is widely popular but facing increasing pressure from the authorities. Opponents and human rights activists believe the real aim of this move is to tighten control over citizens, facilitate access to their data, and stifle any dissenting voices against the Kremlin.
Regional and international repercussions
Internationally, this decision reinforces concerns about the growing phenomenon of the “split internet,” where countries erect digital walls to isolate their citizens from the open global network. It also sends a clear message to other global technology companies that operating in Russia requires full compliance with its stringent laws, including demands for user data and content removal. This approach could encourage other countries with similar systems of governance to take similar measures, threatening the free flow of information globally and further restricting digital freedoms.
