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Russia WhatsApp Block: The Russian government on Thursday (February 12) attempted to fully block WhatsApp in what the company described as an effort to drive users toward a state-owned surveillance app.
Responding to the move, WhatsApp said isolating more than 100 million users from private and secure communication would be a “backwards step.”
“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. We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected,” the company said in a post on X.
WhatsApp is owned by Meta Platforms.
Previous Warnings and Compliance Pressure
In November last year, Russia's state communications watchdog threatened to block WhatsApp entirely if it failed to comply with Russian law, according to a Reuters report.
Russia has also been working to limit certain calls on WhatsApp, accusing foreign-owned platforms of refusing to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases. A similar situation has unfolded with Telegram.
Telegram Faces Further Restrictions
Apart from WhatsApp, Telegram is set to face additional restrictions after authorities said it failed to correct previous violations, the state communications watchdog said, according to a Reuters report.
In response, Telegram’s Russian-born founder, entrepreneur Pavel Durov, defended the platform, saying it would remain committed to protecting freedom of speech and user privacy “no matter the pressure,” Reuters reported.
Wider Clampdown on Foreign Tech Firms
In a broader crackdown on foreign-based technology providers, Russia blocked Apple’s video-calling app FaceTime in December. Authorities have also banned Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, and restricted access to YouTube, which is owned by Alphabet’s Google.
What Is MAX?
MAX is a state-backed messaging app developed by VK and is being positioned as a patriotic alternative to WhatsApp and Telegram. From September 1, MAX began coming pre-installed on all smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs sold in Russia.
The app offers messaging, payments, government services, and digital ID features.
According to a report by The Moscow Times, MAX is designed to serve a political purpose. Officials want it integrated with the state services portal Gosuslugi through the Unified Identification and Authentication System (ESIA). This would allow citizens to log into government platforms, pay utility bills, or sign documents directly through the app, effectively making MAX a digital gateway to essential civil services.
(Disclaimer: The above article is meant for informational purposes only, and should not be considered as any investment advice. ET NOW DIGITAL suggests its readers/audience to consult their financial advisors before making any money-related decisions.)
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