Kamal Ghorui
Meta-owned WhatsApp has claimed that Russia has “attempted to fully block” the messaging platform. Sharing a post on microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp alleged that the country is trying to “isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication”. This comes amidst the ongoing tensions with foreign tech companies after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, per a Reuters report. Since then, Russian authorities have promoted a state-backed app called “MAX” as an alternative to foreign services. “Today the Russian government attempted to fully block WhatsApp in an effort to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app. Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backwards step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia. We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected,” the post stated.The Reuters report quotes a Kremlin spokesperson who was asked if WhatsApp will return to Russia.”This is again a question of fulfilling the legislation. If the Meta corporation fulfils this and enters into dialogue with Russian authorities, then we have the possibility of reaching an agreement,” the spokesperson told TASS in a video published by the state news agency.“If the corporation (Meta) sticks to an uncompromising position and, I would say, shows itself unready to align with Russian legislation, then there is no chance.”Russia wants its “national messenger” app Max installed on every Android and iPhoneAs stated above, the move comes as the Russian government pushes the state-backed Max messaging app. The government is positioning Max as a “national messenger” that will integrate with official services including Gosuslugi, Russia’s digital government platform. The decision affects all mobile devices sold domestically, part of broader efforts to reduce dependence on foreign technology platforms.
