WhatsApp Ban in Russia: Consequences for Business
Recently, news emerged that WhatsApp might be banned in Russia. So far, there has been no official confirmation from the authorities.
WhatsApp* is one of the most popular messengers in the world, used by millions of people for calls and messaging. In Russia, this service also holds a significant share of the market. However, in recent years, there have been discussions and attempts to restrict or block WhatsApp.
* Owned by Meta. Meta is recognized as an extremist organization and banned in Russia.
Reasons for the Ban - (https://predicta.tg/events/will-whatsapp-be-blocked-in-russia-before-the-end-of-september)
The main reasons why a WhatsApp ban in Russia has been considered or discussed are:
History of Restrictions and Blocking Attempts
Attempts to limit or ban WhatsApp in Russia began long before 2025. A brief timeline looks as follows:
WhatsApp has consistently stated that it cannot provide encryption keys and disagrees with such demands.
In response to possible restrictions, both users and companies began looking for alternative platforms.
Impact on Business - (https://predicta.tg/events/will-whatsapp-be-blocked-in-russia-before-the-end-of-september)
Government agencies and banks have already been prohibited from using foreign messengers since 2023. This means WhatsApp is also banned for financial and governmental services.
The service cannot be used to transmit payment documents, clients’ personal data, or other sensitive information. Who does this affect? Banks, brokers, depositories, management companies, private pension funds, state-owned enterprises, and organizations with more than 50% state participation. Violations carry fines.
For other types of businesses, a WhatsApp shutdown could result in losing customer contact databases and deal records, essentially removing a vital communication channel.
Since June 1, 2025, banks, marketplaces, classified ad platforms, and telecom operators have also been prohibited from communicating with customers through foreign messengers. They cannot even send order notifications or personalized offers — any interaction with clients through WhatsApp is banned.
What Should Businesses Do?
There is no official confirmation of the ban yet, but you can prepare in advance:
How to Find Out if WhatsApp Will Be Banned in 2025 - (https://predicta.tg/events/will-whatsapp-be-blocked-in-russia-before-the-end-of-september)
With PREDICTA, you can track trends and public opinion regarding the likelihood of a ban.
The power of a concentrated “collective mind” is far more effective than polls or individual expert opinions.
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