Russia has blocked WhatsApp for failing to comply with local laws, Kremlin says

Russia has decided to block the popular messaging platform WhatsApp for allegedly failing to comply with Russian legislation, the Kremlin notified on Thursday, according to news agency AFP.

"Such a decision was indeed made and implemented," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters when asked about the reported ban.

The announcement comes shortly after WhatsApp said that Russian government has attempted to “fully block” its services in the country, in order to promote a state-sponsored “super” app called Max.

Meanwhile, Peskov added that the decision was taken due to WhatsApp's “reluctance to comply with the norms and letter of Russian law”, the agency reported. The push comes at a time when the Russian government has cut off access to foreign messaging apps in the country.

What is Max?

According to a Reuters report, Peskov explained that Max is an accessible alternative of the banned messaging apps, a developing and national messenger, which is available on the market for citizens. Meanwhile, critics say that Max is a surveillance tool.

The action against WhatsApp follows nearly six months of pressure on the US-based company and reflects a broader push by the Russian authorities amid ongoing war, to build and tightly control a "sovereign" communications system, one in which foreign tech companies must comply with local laws or risk being forced to disappear altogether, the agency report said.

Which other apps are on Russia's radar?

Besides WhatsApp, Telegram app services have also been limited in the country, with authorities accusing the platform of refusing to block content that they classify as "criminal and terrorist.”

Telegram is also reportedly facing a fine of 64 million rubles ($8,28,000) after it allegedly refused to remove restricted content from the platform and failed to self-regulate, according to state news agency TASS News.

Russian authorities have also blocked or restricted other social media platforms such as Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, with an intent to heavily push Max, which critics say could be used to track users.

The authorities have denied those accusations, calling them “false” and stating that Max, which integrates various government-related services into it, is designed to simplify and improve the everyday lives of citizens, Reuters reported.

Roskomnadzor, the state communications regulator, began restricting WhatsApp and other messenger services in August, making it impossible for users to complete phone calls on those foreign-owned platforms.