World
Russia suspends WhatsApp use, promotes domestic app
The Kremlin announced on Thursday that it has blocked the widely used messaging service WhatsApp in Russia, citing the company’s refusal to follow local laws.
Authorities urged the app’s 100 million Russian users to switch to a homegrown alternative.
For several months, Moscow has been encouraging people to move to Max, a Russian messaging platform that does not offer end-to-end encryption. Critics and activists have warned that the app could be used for state surveillance.
“As for the blocking of WhatsApp … such a decision was indeed made and implemented,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
Peskov said the decision was due to WhatsApp’s “reluctance to comply with the norms and letter of Russian law”.
“Max is an accessible alternative, a developing messenger, a national messenger. And it is an alternative available on the market for citizens,” he said.
WhatsApp, owned by US social media giant Meta, said Wednesday that it believed Russia was attempting to fully block the service in a bid to force users onto Max.
“We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected,” it said.
Critics and rights campaigners say the restrictions are a transparent attempt by the Kremlin to ramp up control and surveillance over internet use in Russia.
Russia’s internet watchdog said Tuesday it would slap “phased restrictions” on the Telegram messaging platform, which it also accused of not complying with local legislation.
AFP
Follow Us on Google Discover
Rodri, Mbappe shine as FIFA unveils 2026 World Cup award winners
BRAKING: Spain beats Messi’s Argentina 1-0 to win 2026 World Cup
BREAKING: Senegal’s President Faye elected new ECOWAS Chairman
‘Lagos guber race not for me again, says Obanikoro
Unknown gunmen abduct COCIN Pastor’s wife, three children in Borno
2027: APC commences candidate upload on INEC portal
Choirmaster gets 25-year jail term for assaulting teen member during ‘church deliverance’
10 things to know about Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, new NBA President
BREAKING: Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya elected 33rd NBA President
Mbappé makes history, Saka nets hat-trick as England clinch World Cup bronze with thrilling 6-4 victory over France
Gombe 2027: PDP aspirant withdraws court case, backs Pantami
Arabic Education should be integrated into national curriculum – Gov. Bala Mohammed
Obi/Kwankwaso ticket cannot win 2027 elections, NDC lone senator, Hanga says as he plots defection to APC
UNICAL moves to curb exam fraud, sacks eight staff, penalizes one
TCN announces power blackout in Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, three other Northern states
APC crisis deepens as Aiyedatiwa’s loyalists sue party, INEC over Ondo primaries
TCN announces power blackout in Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, three other Northern states
Court sentences two men to death by hanging for raping, murdering 17-year-old girl in Anambra
Obi/Kwankwaso ticket cannot win 2027 elections, NDC lone senator, Hanga says as he plots defection to APC
Mbappé makes history, Saka nets hat-trick as England clinch World Cup bronze with thrilling 6-4 victory over France
Imo now one-party state, our people have decided to re-elect Tinubu in 2027, Says Uzodimma
Arabic Education should be integrated into national curriculum – Gov. Bala Mohammed
BREAKING: Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya elected 33rd NBA President
Unknown gunmen abduct COCIN Pastor’s wife, three children in Borno
Trump criticises Tuchel’s tactics after England’s World Cup exit to Argentina
NBA Presidential Poll: Badejo-Okusanya leads as voting continues after cyberattack delay
Tems makes history as first African female artist with US Diamond-certified single
2027: APC commences candidate upload on INEC portal
NUJ FCT Chairman Grace Ike wins Beacon of Education Award, pledges support for children with special needs