In a bold assertion of digital sovereignty, Russia’s Kremlin has officially blocked WhatsApp nationwide, urging citizens to switch to the homegrown Max platform. The decision, confirmed by spokesman Dmitry Peskov, stems from Meta’s refusal to adhere to local regulations.
Late Wednesday, WhatsApp revealed that Russian officials had throttled its services entirely, aiming to herd its massive 100-million-plus user base toward state-monitored alternatives. ‘This is an attempt to push users onto a government surveillance app,’ a spokesperson charged, directly naming Max.
Meta decries the action as regressive, warning that stripping secure messaging leaves Russians more vulnerable. The company pledges to exhaust all avenues to restore connectivity, even as access disruptions mount.
This isn’t Russia’s first rodeo with Big Tech. Since the Ukraine conflict erupted in 2022, bans on Facebook, Instagram, X, and others have proliferated, reshaping the online experience for 144 million people. TASS reports Peskov’s clear message: comply or stay blocked.
Enter Max, the shiny new star of Russian tech. Touted for seamless integration of chats, payments, and public services, it’s pitched as privacy-respecting—data handed over only when legally compelled. Billboards and broadcasts hype its rollout, signaling a full pivot to self-reliance.
Global observers see darker implications: a creeping surveillance state where dissent is easier to track. Yet Moscow frames it as protection against foreign influence. With VPN usage likely surging, the battle for Russia’s digital soul intensifies, pitting innovation against control.