Society

Russia moves to ‘fully block WhatsApp’ as Moscow steps up push to gain control of the internet

Maria Kamińska
 12.02.2026, 14:36
The move is “a backwards step and can only lead to less safety,” WhatsApp said.
The move is “a backwards step and can only lead to less safety,” WhatsApp said. Photo illustration by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The move is “a backwards step and can only lead to less safety,” WhatsApp said.