Russian authorities seek to fully block WhatsApp

WhatsApp has said Russian authorities are taking steps to fully block its messaging app in the country. The company links the move to the active promotion of the state-run messaging platform Max, which is intended to replace foreign apps.

Source: WhatsApp on X (Twitter); Financial Times

Details: The Financial Times reports that millions of people in Russia have suddenly lost access to WhatsApp. The service, owned by Meta Platforms, says it is doing everything it can to keep more than 100 million users in Russia connected.

The company says the actions of the Russian authorities are aimed at pushing foreign platforms out of the market. Meanwhile, the state-run multifunctional platform Max is being actively promoted, modelled on China's WeChat. In addition to messaging, Max integrates state services, banking, document storage and other features.

A full block could also affect Telegram. Russia's censorship authority Roskomnadzor has recently begun restricting access to the messaging app. There have been no official statements from Roskomnadzor on this matter so far. Telegram founder Pavel Durov stated that "Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy, no matter the pressure".

Background: It also became known earlier that registration of new users for Telegram and WhatsApp has been restricted in Russia.

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