Russia Fully Blocks WhatsApp, Pushes State-Backed Messenger MAX. AI-Generated.
In a decisive move to reshape the country’s digital landscape, Russia has fully blocked WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform owned by Meta. Officials cite WhatsApp’s alleged failure to comply with Russian regulations as the reason for the ban, while promoting MAX, a state-backed messaging service, as the preferred alternative. The decision has drawn attention both domestically and internationally, raising questions about privacy, freedom of communication, and digital sovereignty.