Russia has blocked WhatsApp over alleged legal violations, promoting its state-backed Max app amid a broader crackdown on foreign social media platforms.
Russia has blocked WhatsApp, directing citizens to use its state-backed Max app, as part of a wider social media clampdown. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the decision followed alleged legal violations by parent company Meta Platforms. Russia has also restricted Telegram and previously banned Facebook, Instagram and X.
Peskov said, “Max is an affordable alternative on the market for citizens, a developing national messenger.” WhatsApp responded that the government had “attempted to fully block WhatsApp,” calling it an effort to “drive people to a state-owned surveillance app,” adding the move was “a backwards step” for user safety.
NEWS NOW:
