Russia has attempted to "fully block" WhatsApp in a push for its state-backed rival app, ‘MAX,’ which critics argue is a surveillance tool. A company spokesperson asserted that this action aims to drive users away from the Meta Platforms-owned service. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, “If Meta aligns with Russian legislation,” there could be a chance for negotiations. WhatsApp has around 100 million users in Russia, highlighting significant implications for communication freedoms in the country.
Russia has attempted to "fully block" WhatsApp in a push for its state-backed rival app, ‘MAX,’ which critics argue is a surveillance tool. A company spokesperson asserted that this action aims to drive users away from the Meta Platforms-owned service. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, “If Meta aligns with Russian legislation,” there could be a chance for negotiations. WhatsApp has around 100 million users in Russia, highlighting significant implications for communication freedoms in the country.