Russia Officially Bans WhatsApp and Launches Local Alternative 'Max'
In a surprising move reflecting the escalating digital tension between Moscow and global tech companies, Russia has officially announced the ban of the popular messaging app WhatsApp, justifying the decision by citing non-compliance with local laws, while quickly introducing a local alternative named "Max".
* Kremlin Explains the Reasons
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed yesterday that the ban was a result of "non-compliance with Russian laws," in direct response to the app's accusations against the authorities of attempting to isolate it completely within the country.
The app, owned by Meta, published a statement via the X platform, considering the service blockage as "an attempt to isolate over one hundred million people from private and secure communication," describing the move as "regressive" and stating it would only reduce the level of digital security for users in Russia.
It also emphasized that it would continue to do everything possible to maintain connectivity for its users.
* Increasing Restrictions Since 2022
The ban did not come suddenly; the Russian government had gradually imposed restrictions on international chat applications, where calls via WhatsApp became possible only through virtual private networks (VPN).
Restrictions also affected the Telegram app and Apple’s "iMessage" service.
WhatsApp is characterized by end-to-end encryption technology, meaning that messages can only be read by the sender and recipient, not even by the company itself, which has always raised sensitivities among Russian authorities.
Since the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war in 2022, Moscow has tightened its grip on the digital space, expanded internet censorship, and reduced access to many foreign applications and services.
* 'Max' .. The Local Alternative
Alongside the crackdown on foreign applications, Russia has launched a new local messaging service named "Max," in a move seen as an attempt to build an alternative digital communication system fully under local control.
Amid accusations of digital isolation on one hand, and a focus on "the sovereignty of laws" on the other, millions of Russian users are entering a new phase of transformation in the electronic communication landscape within the country.
