WhatsApp said Wednesday that Russia “attempted to fully block” the messaging app in the country.

The company stated this was done to push users toward a competing state-controlled service.

The move could potentially affect 100 million people.

Moscow has been trying to nudge Russians to use a more tightly controlled domestic online service.

It has threatened a host of internet platforms with forced slowdowns or outright bans.

These threats apply if the platforms do not comply with Russian laws.

The laws include requirements for data on Russian users to be stored inside the country.

“Today the Russian government attempted to fully block WhatsApp in an effort to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app,” WhatsApp posted on X.

“Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backwards step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia,” WhatsApp added.

“We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected.”

Critics and rights campaigners say the Russian restrictions are a transparent attempt by the Kremlin.

They describe it as an effort to ramp up control and surveillance over internet use in Russia.

This occurs amid a sweeping crackdown on dissent during the Ukraine offensive.

The latest developments came after Russia’s internet watchdog said Tuesday it would slap “phased restrictions” on the Telegram messaging platform.

The watchdog claimed Telegram had not complied with the laws.