WhatsApp Responds to Russia’s Pressure: We Will Fight for Our Users

WhatsApp has reacted to ongoing restrictions on its operations in Russia, stating that the platform intends to defend its users despite mounting pressure from regulators.

Photo: Flickr by Yuri Samoilov, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

WhatsApp

Over 100 Million Users in Russia

According to the company, more than 100 million people across Russia actively use WhatsApp. Representatives emphasized that the service is deeply embedded in everyday life, supporting communication across professional, family, and interest-based communities.

"WhatsApp is deeply integrated into the fabric of every community in the country—from parent and work groups to friend, neighbor, and family chats across Russia's regions. We are determined to fight for our users, because forcing people to use less secure and government-imposed apps can only lead to a decrease in security for Russian citizens," a company representative stated.

The platform noted that Russian users maintain a wide range of chats, from workplace coordination to hobby-based and local community groups.

Regulatory Pressure Continues

Russia's media and telecommunications regulator Roskomnadzor previously confirmed that restrictions on WhatsApp remain in force. The agency stated that the messenger has failed to comply with requirements set out in Russian legislation.

On November 28, authorities began introducing technical limitations on the service. Officials argued that the platform has been used to organize criminal activity, facilitate fraud, and recruit individuals into illegal operations.

Risk of a Full Block

Regulators warned that if WhatsApp continues to ignore domestic legal demands, the messenger could face a complete shutdown in Russia. The situation remains unresolved, with neither side signaling immediate concessions.

The dispute places one of the world's most widely used messaging platforms at the center of Russia's broader push to tighten control over foreign digital services.