On October 11, it was reported by the American newspaper Financial Times that Russia has blocked access to major social media platforms including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, which are all owned by Meta. This move involved removing these apps from an online directory maintained by Roskomnadzor, the country's internet regulatory body. This significant action effectively erases the platforms from the Russian internet, making access nearly impossible without alternative methods like VPNs.

The Russian government's decision to classify Instagram and Facebook as "extremist" indicates a substantial escalation in its ongoing efforts to control digital communication within the country. Additionally, while access to YouTube has also faced some restrictions, details on the platform's status remain unclear. Previous measures had been taken against WhatsApp, but this latest action suggests that Russia intends to maintain a long-term or possibly permanent block on the messaging service, which reportedly has around 100 million users in the country.

These developments reflect an increasingly isolating digital environment in Russia, where authorities are tightening their grip on information and communication channels. The implications of this crackdown could have far-reaching effects not only on the social landscape of Russia but also on international relations, as such measures challenge global norms around free expression and digital access. As Russian citizens seek alternative ways to connect and communicate, VPN usage may surge, highlighting the ongoing tensions between state control and individual freedoms in the digital age.