WhatsApp has reportedly become inaccessible across Russia after authorities removed its main domains from the country’s National Domain Name System (NDS). The move represents another step in Russia’s tightening control over foreign digital platforms.

According to reports cited by TSN.ua, Russian internet providers are no longer able to resolve WhatsApp’s primary domains, effectively preventing users from accessing the messaging service.

What Happened

The disruption occurred when WhatsApp’s domain records were removed from Russia’s National DNS infrastructure, preventing internet service providers from translating the domain name into the correct IP address.

The domains affected include:

• whatsapp.com

• web.whatsapp.com

Because these domains are no longer listed in the National DNS database, users attempting to access the service inside Russia cannot connect to WhatsApp servers.

Some related domains remain technically listed in the system, including:

• whatsapp.net

• wa.me (the platform’s link shortener)

However, reports indicate that these domains do not function properly within Russia’s internet environment.

A Broader Strategy to Restrict Foreign Platforms

The block is widely seen as part of Russia’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign technology platforms and promote domestic alternatives.

Authorities are reportedly encouraging users to migrate to Max, a state-supported messaging service. Domestic platforms allow the government greater control and monitoring over communications compared to international services.

This approach mirrors earlier restrictions placed on global platforms.

For example, Russia previously imposed access limitations on YouTube, signaling a continued effort to regulate foreign digital services within the country.

Impact on Russian Users

The removal of WhatsApp’s domains from the National DNS has immediate consequences for millions of users who relied on the platform for daily communication.

Key impacts include:

• Loss of access to one of the country’s most widely used messaging platforms

• Disruption of personal and business communications

• Increased reliance on government-approved alternatives

For many individuals and businesses, the block further restricts access to international communication tools.

Growing Risks for International Technology Companies

The incident also highlights the increasing risks facing global technology companies operating in tightly regulated markets.

Foreign platforms now face the possibility of:

• Domain-level blocking

• Service restrictions

• Forced migration to local alternatives

These developments signal an environment where governments can rapidly limit access to international services by controlling core internet infrastructure such as DNS systems.