Russia blocks WhatsApp and promotes state-owned alternative MAX

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced on Thursday that Russia has blocked the U.S. messaging app WhatsApp due to Meta's refusal to comply with national laws. The decision affects over 100 million users and follows six months of increasing regulatory pressure. Authorities are urging citizens to switch to MAX, a state-owned "national messenger" that the Kremlin describes as a viable alternative. Meta, which is designated as an extremist organization in Russia, argued that the move isolates users from secure communication and reduces public safety. While critics claim MAX is a tool for state surveillance, Russian officials have denied these allegations. Additionally, the regulator Roskomnadzor has started curbing access to Telegram, citing security concerns. Pro-war bloggers reported that these restrictions on Telegram have disrupted communications for Russian military forces in Ukraine. The blockades are part of a broader strategy to establish a sovereign internet infrastructure and force foreign tech firms to submit to local regulations.