WhatsApp ban in Russia? Messaging app says Moscow tried to ‘fully block’ app — Here’s what happens next
On February 11, WhatsApp said the Russian government was trying to “completely block” its services in the country to promote a state-backed “super” app called Max. Bloomberg reported.
Accordingly Financial TimesMillions of people were “suddenly disconnected from WhatsApp”. Meta Platforms–The owned messaging app is doing everything it can to keep its more than 100 million users connected, the report said.
What is Russia’s “super app” Max?
Moscow has shifted its focus to promoting a state-run “super app” called Max, modeled after China’s WeChat, the report said. The report also noted that Max hosts government services and enables document storage, banking, and other public and commercial programs. It also provides the usual services like messages, sending money, voice and video calls.
according to ReutersCritics worried that Max could be used to track users, while state media called these accusations unfounded. Max, in particular, was developed by VKontakte (VK), which was co-founded by Pavel Durov (owner of Telegram) before selling his shares and leaving Russia in 2014. VK is now state owned.
Accordingly CNNThe Russian government has required smartphone companies to pre-install the app on mobile phones and tablets sold in the country.
Russia moves to leave foreign messaging apps behind
The move comes at a time when the Russian government has cut off access to foreign messaging apps in the country. In addition to WhatsApp, services of the Telegram messaging application are also limited in the northern country.
On February 11, Moscow announced that it was restricting access to Telegram for the “protection of Russian citizens” and accused the app of refusing to block content that authorities considered “criminal and terrorist”.
Russia’s communications regulator Roskomnadzor planned to limit access to the app this week. RBC The news service reported, citing people familiar with the situation but not identifying them. Bloomberg report added.
Telegram faces a fine of 64 million rubles ($8,28,000) for allegedly refusing to remove restricted content from the platform and failing to self-regulate, according to the state news agency. TASS News.
Roskomnadzor also blocked Apple’s video calling app FaceTime in December. Reuters report added.
What’s next for WhatsApp in Russia? Official says…
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: TASS It was stated that the return of WhatsApp in Russia will depend on whether it complies with regulatory requirements.
Speaking to the agency on February 11, Peskov said, “This is again a matter of compliance with the legislation. If the Meta company fulfills this and enters into dialogue with the Russian authorities, then we have the possibility of reaching an agreement. If the company (Meta) shows an uncompromising attitude and, I would say, shows that it is unprepared to comply with Russian legislation, then we have no chance.”
There was no immediate response to questions from the Kremlin Reuters.
(With input from institutions)
