WhatsApp is banned in Russia

WhatsApp is a US messenger app owned by Meta Platforms. It has now been completely blocked in Russia. Authorities suggest switching to MAX, a state-owned Russian messenger app. Some critics say that MAX is a surveillance tool. The Kremlin denies that claim.

The action taken by Russia is in line with its ongoing policy during the Russo-Ukrainian war. The state wants to fully control the discourse, which includes having access to private messages. Foreign-owned tech companies need to either submit to local laws or cease their services.

Meta Russia had already been designated as an extremist organisation. All at the time when WhatsApp had over 100 million users in Russia alone. That’s more than two thirds of the total population. It has been one of the most important tools for people to remain in contact with friends and family abroad.

Russian authorities are trying to push MAX as a real alternative. The app integrates various government-related services into it. It’s being advertised as designed to simplify and improve the everyday lives of citizens. First restrictions on WhatsApp and other messenger services occurred in August. Since then, it has been impossible to complete phone calls on them. The reason for the restriction was supposedly WhatsApp’s failure to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases.

WhatsApp was accused of being a platform used “to organise and carry out terrorist acts on the territory of the country, to recruit their perpetrators and commit fraud and other crimes.” Many Russians tried using WhatsApp in conjunction with a virtual private network (VPN) or have switched to using rival messenger apps, like Telegram. However, other apps are also experiencing pressure from Russian authorities for the very same reason.