MILLIONS lose access to WhatsApp amid security concerns, and Telegram users could be next

Russia has pulled the plug on WhatsApp, affecting 100 million users across the country.

The Kremlin confirmed the ban, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov telling the BBC it came down to Meta's refusal to follow Russian law. He suggested the tech giant could get back in if it "complies with the law and enters into dialogue."

Russia argues that the Meta-owned chat app is one of the main platforms used for fraudulent activity — responsible for taking money away from residents.

WhatsApp is often used as a way to target and defraud users by hackers. Most recently, users were placed on red alert for a security flaw that could let hackers seize control of their Android phones. Hackers have also been known to attempt to hijack your WhatsApp account without breaking authentication checks.

However, Meta has claimed that the block is an attempt by Russia to get people to use their state-owned surveillance app called Max. This is a state-backed app that acts as a messaging alternative to platforms like WhatsApp.

WhatsApp said in a statement, "Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backwards step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia."

Despite WhatsApp's security concerns mounting, the platform has been consistently releasing new updates to help protect its users. They just unleashed an "extreme" protection mode for your messages. WhatsApp has also promised to make it easier to "secure your chats."

WhatsApp was one of Russia's most used messaging apps, with nearly 100 million monthly users as of late 2025. Its ban is Meta's third platform to be blocked from the country, following Instagram and Facebook's ban in March 2022.

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WhatsApp isn't the only messaging platform to be undergoing restrictions, either.

Russia's internet regulator Roskomnadzor has also started restricting access to Telegram this week, claiming security concerns.

Similar to WhatsApp, Telegram is a free messaging platform founded by Russian-born entrepreneur Pavel Durov.

The authorities say both Telegram and WhatsApp have also both refused to store Russian users' data within the country, as required by law.

Mr Durov said: "Restricting citizens' freedom is never the right answer.

The restrictions on Telegram could be part of another attempt to encourage users to migrate to Max.

However, it's been said that the app doesn't have end-to-end encryption, which is a prominent security feature used on WhatsApp. This is used to stop anyone except you and the person you're messaging from reading your conversations. Without it, authorities could potentially access everything you send.

The app has been compared to China's WeChat, dubbed as a "super app" that bundles messaging with government services all in one place.

Since 2025, every new phone and tablet sold in Russia must come with Max already installed. There are also multiple reports saying that teachers, students and public sector workers are increasingly being told they have to use it.

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