State Duma Predicts Final Blocking of WhatsApp in 2026

© изображение сгенерировал ИИ

In Russia, the messenger WhatsApp (owned by Meta, which has been recognized as extremist and banned in Russia) will be completely blocked by 2026. This opinion was expressed by Andrei Svintsov, deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, Information Technologies and Communications, as reported by TASS.

- I think that by the end of the year, Roskomnadzor will take a set of measures to finally block WhatsApp. Such tough measures, especially in an election year, are absolutely justified, the deputy emphasized.

• In August 2025, Roskomnadzor restricted the possibility of making calls in the messengers WhatsApp and Telegram, calling them the main services used by fraudsters for deceiving, extorting money, and involving Russians in sabotage and terrorist activities.