{"id":28237,"date":"2026-02-12T06:07:56","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T06:07:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/12\/russia-wants-whatsapp-blocked-5-alternative-messaging-apps-available-in-the-world-tech-news\/"},"modified":"2026-02-12T06:07:56","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T06:07:56","slug":"russia-wants-whatsapp-blocked-5-alternative-messaging-apps-available-in-the-world-tech-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/12\/russia-wants-whatsapp-blocked-5-alternative-messaging-apps-available-in-the-world-tech-news\/","title":{"rendered":"Russia Wants WhatsApp Blocked: 5 Alternative Messaging Apps Available In The World | Tech News"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"story-9897511\">\n<p><span class=\"jsx-395e0e0beb19cb6e jsx-3759419209\">Last Updated:<\/span><time class=\"jsx-395e0e0beb19cb6e jsx-3759419209\">February 12, 2026, 11:21 IST<\/time><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"asubttl-9897511\" class=\"jsx-c88456722e94b84d jsx-3290789288 asubttl-schema\">WhatsApp is facing pressure in Russia over its own state-run app but there are plenty of other alternatives available.<\/h2>\n<div id=\"artshare\" class=\"jsx-77f77059f24b3304 artshare\">\n<div class=\"jsx-77f77059f24b3304 stickdiv\">\n<div class=\"jsx-77f77059f24b3304 deskwrapstkdiv\">\n<div class=\"jsx-77f77059f24b3304 fontchange\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.news18.com\/dlxczavtqcctuei\/news18\/static\/images\/english\/font.svg\" height=\"30px\" width=\"30px\" alt=\"font\" title=\"font\" class=\"jsx-77f77059f24b3304 lazyload\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jsx-77f77059f24b3304 artsharwrp\"><a href=\"https:\/\/web.whatsapp.com\/send?text=Russia%20Wants%20WhatsApp%20Blocked%3A%205%20Alternative%20Messaging%20Apps%20Available%20In%20The%20World - %0D%0Ahttps:\/\/www.news18.com\/tech\/russia-wants-whatsapp-blocked-5-alternative-messaging-apps-available-in-the-world-9897511.html%3Futm_source%3Dwhatsapp%26utm_medium%3Dsocial_share%26utm_campaign%3Dnw18english%0D%0A %0D%0A Get the latest news anytime, anywhere. Install News18 app for free! %0D%0Ahttps:\/\/onelink.to\/website-share-eng\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" class=\"jsx-77f77059f24b3304 sclrnd wapp social_share\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-77f77059f24b3304 notifycnt social_share\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.news18.com\/dlxczavtqcctuei\/news18\/static\/images\/english\/new_share_icon.svg\" alt=\"new share icon\" title=\"new share icon\" width=\"8\" height=\"9\" class=\"jsx-77f77059f24b3304 social_share\"\/><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.news18.com\/dlxczavtqcctuei\/news18\/static\/images\/english\/new_whatsapp_icon.svg\" alt=\"new whatsapp icon\" title=\"new whatsapp icon\" width=\"21\" height=\"22\" class=\"jsx-77f77059f24b3304 social_share\"\/><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jsx-c88456722e94b84d jsx-3290789288\">\n<figure class=\"jsx-c88456722e94b84d jsx-3290789288 amimg\">\n<div class=\"jsx-c88456722e94b84d jsx-3290789288 amimgwrp\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"WhatsApp is popular but the only app of its kind available.\" title=\"WhatsApp is popular but the only app of its kind available.\" src=\"https:\/\/images.news18.com\/ibnlive\/uploads\/2021\/07\/1627283897_news18_logo-1200x800.jpg?impolicy=website&amp;width=400&amp;height=225\" loading=\"eager\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class=\"jsx-c88456722e94b84d jsx-3290789288\"\/><i class=\"jsx-c88456722e94b84d jsx-3290789288 imgzoom\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.news18.com\/dlxczavtqcctuei\/news18\/static\/images\/english\/zoom-img.svg\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" class=\"jsx-c88456722e94b84d jsx-3290789288 imgzoomicn tap_to_zoom\"\/><\/i><\/div>\n<p>WhatsApp is popular but the only app of its kind available.<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jsx-c88456722e94b84d jsx-3290789288 flscrnimgwrp \"><img class=\"jsx-c88456722e94b84d jsx-3290789288 flscrnimg\"\/><span class=\"jsx-c88456722e94b84d jsx-3290789288\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"44\" height=\"44\" viewbox=\"0 0 44 44\" fill=\"none\" class=\"jsx-c88456722e94b84d jsx-3290789288 flscrncls\"><circle cx=\"22\" cy=\"22\" r=\"22\" transform=\"rotate(-90 22 22)\" fill=\"#111111\" fill-opacity=\"0.9\" class=\"jsx-c88456722e94b84d jsx-3290789288\"\/><path d=\"M29.7757 16.8142L23.9651 22.6248L29.7757 28.4355L28.3108 29.9004L22.5002 24.0897L16.6896 29.9004L15.2247 28.4355L21.0353 22.6248L15.2247 16.8142L16.6896 15.3493L22.5002 21.16L28.3108 15.3493L29.7757 16.8142Z\" fill=\"white\" class=\"jsx-c88456722e94b84d jsx-3290789288\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div>\n<p id=\"0\" class=\"story_para_0\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\">WhatsApp claims the Russian government tried to fully block its service in the country to push its own state messaging app earlier this month. The Meta-owned platform and its origins in the United States have a lot to do with Russia looking to block its access for employees and users.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"1\" class=\"story_para_1\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\">And it is not the first country to consider blocking WhatsApp and probably won\u2019t be the last. Most of the authorities are aware about WhatsApp and its claimed encryption standards which keeps people secure and also makes it easy to use for nefarious reasons. In case, you are worried about WhatsApp getting blocked, you have 5 more apps with similar security traits and most of the features available for free.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><strong>5 WhatsApp Alternatives<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"3\" class=\"story_para_3\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><strong>Telegram<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"4\" class=\"story_para_4\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\">The other big messaging platform that people use is Telegram, offered by Pavel Durov as a secure app for chats and other interactive features. The company claims to have over 700 million users, offers end-to-end encryption like WhatsApp for secret chats and it is free to use on Android and iOS devices. You also get the ability to share large file sizes and join other chat rooms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"5\" class=\"story_para_5\"><strong>Signal\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"6\" class=\"story_para_6\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\">This one is an easy and obvious choice to replace WhatsApp for many users. In fact, most WhatsApp users prefer having a Signal account on the side, just to keep their content and data private from all entities. Even the calls are encrypted like WhatsApp and no metadata storing is done which keeps you secure. However, you need a mobile number to register for an account.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"7\" class=\"story_para_7\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\"><strong>Wire<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"8\" class=\"story_para_8\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\">The next option to consider as a WhatsApp alternative is Wire. This is also a secure messaging app with its source code available publicly and focuses on being cross-platform across devices. The only issue for some could be that it stores the metadata which is not ideal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"9\" class=\"story_para_9\"><strong>Viber\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"10\" class=\"story_para_10\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\">This app has been around for a few decades and the current version is seen as an ideal substitute for WhatsApp. You get end-to-end encryption, can even self-destruct the messages, support group chats up to 250 members and more. However, Viber shows you ads and the calling features are free but only if you call another Viber user.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"11\" class=\"story_para_11\"><strong>Threema\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p id=\"12\" class=\"story_para_12\"><span style=\"font-weight:400\">The last on our list is a paid option called Threema which lets you make encrypted calls, and gives you the option to link email or phone number but not a mandatory requirement. It is open source, doesn\u2019t show ads and that\u2019s because it is not free and some might feel the premium is worth it. It is based out of a region where data regulations are strict and no meta storing is done. <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-18814a1d8226d353 artnws newsletter\">\n<p>Handpicked stories, in your inbox<\/p>\n<p>A newsletter with the best of our journalism<\/p>\n<p><input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Enter Your Email\" class=\"jsx-18814a1d8226d353 artnwinpt\" value=\"\"\/><button class=\"jsx-18814a1d8226d353 subscrbe newsletter\">submit<\/button><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jsx-c88456722e94b84d jsx-3290789288 atbtlink Location\"><span>Location :<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Delhi, India, India<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jsx-c88456722e94b84d jsx-3290789288 atbtlink fp\"><span>First Published:<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"rs\">\n<p>February 12, 2026, 11:21 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jsx-c88456722e94b84d jsx-3290789288 brdcrmb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.news18.com\/\">News<\/a>  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.news18.com\/tech\/\">tech<\/a>  <span class=\"brdout\"> Russia Wants WhatsApp Blocked: 5 Alternative Messaging Apps Available In The World<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"coral-wrap\" class=\"jsx-ba4d8f086a12294f \">\n<div class=\"jsx-ba4d8f086a12294f coral-cont\">\n<div class=\"jsx-ba4d8f086a12294f coltoptxt\">Disclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.news18.com\/disclaimer\/\" class=\"jsx-ba4d8f086a12294f\">Terms of Use<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.news18.com\/privacy_policy\/\" class=\"jsx-ba4d8f086a12294f\">Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"jsx-c88456722e94b84d jsx-3290789288 rmbtn news18_read_more\">Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.news18.com\/tech\/russia-wants-whatsapp-blocked-5-alternative-messaging-apps-available-in-the-world-9897511.html\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last Updated:February 12, 2026, 11:21 IST WhatsApp is facing pressure in Russia over its own state-run app but there are plenty of other alternatives available. WhatsApp is popular but the only app of its kind available. WhatsApp claims the Russian government tried to fully block its service in the country to push its own state&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9503,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28237","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tech"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28237","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28237"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28237\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9503"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28237"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28237"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tezgyan.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28237"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}