The WhatsApp* messenger domain has been excluded from the National Domain Name System (NDNS), Kommersant reports. This infrastructure was created as part of the law on the "sovereign Runet." Now devices cannot get the IP addresses of the service.
The domains whatsapp܂com and web܂whatsapp܂com have disappeared from the NDNS. The technical domain whatsapp܂net and the short link domain wa܂me are still listed.
The YouTube domain also disappeared from the system the day before. In October 2024, Discord and the Signal messenger were blocked using the same scheme.
Removing domains from the NDNS makes websites and applications "invisible" to Russian providers. Connection to this system is mandatory for all telecom operators — refusal threatens revocation of the license. Providers cannot help subscribers circumvent restrictions: compliance with NDNS rules is strictly controlled and enshrined in licensing requirements.
* WhatsApp is owned by Meta, which is recognized as an extremist organization in Russia.
Read more on the topic:
- American imo did not pass by: Russians found a replacement for WhatsApp* and Telegram
- State Duma representative stated that the authorities will not block WhatsApp* and Telegram "out of spite"
- Roskomnadzor threatened the WhatsApp* messenger with a complete blocking in Russia
