Can you imagine living even one day without WhatsApp?
Right now, nearly 100 million people in Russia are facing that very question.
President Vladimir Putin’s government has blocked several major foreign platforms, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube.
The world’s most popular messaging app used daily by millions of Russians was suddenly blocked overnight. Putin has issued a new order stating that only Russia’s own domestic apps will operate in the country. That means WhatsApp blocked. Instagram blocked. YouTube blocked.
According to the government, Russia will now promote its own homegrown social networking platforms. Officials say the decision was made to protect citizens’ privacy and strengthen national security. The goal, they claim, is to ensure that personal data does not leak or get misused by foreign companies.
Putin is known for making calculated decisions, and this one appears to be part of a larger strategy. The Russian government has already completed trials of its local social networking system and plans to launch it nationwide soon. Officials insist that the new local messaging and entertainment app will be more secure and built entirely on domestic technology.
To reinforce this move, the domains of foreign social networking sites have reportedly been removed from Russia’s Domain Name System (DNS). The government has also ordered all internet service providers to switch to the National Domain Name System under Russia’s Sovereign Internet Law. Back in 2021, Russia had already restricted the use of Google’s DNS and other foreign DNS services.
The list of blocked platforms doesn’t stop at WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube. International media outlets such as BBC, Radio Free Europe, and Radio Liberty have also been blocked, along with several other apps.
Until now, some countries have restricted social media access only for children. But Russia’s latest move affects the entire population — everyone is locked out of foreign platforms.
The government maintains that this decision is entirely about privacy and national security. However, critics argue that it could mark the beginning of a new phase of state surveillance.
So what options do Russian citizens have now? The main alternative is a state-backed app reportedly called “Max,” developed by the VK company. It functions somewhat like China’s WeChat — offering messaging, payments, and even access to government services all in one place. Launched in 2025, the app now comes pre-installed on new smartphones, and the government is pushing for its widespread adoption.
But the big question remains: Is this new app truly secure? And could something similar ever happen in countries like India?
Social media regulations have become a hot topic in India as well. There have been ongoing debates, policy discussions, and demands for stricter rules. The Indian government has already taken steps in this direction and continues to review digital policies.