Russia Blocks WhatsApp, Pushes State App Max as Alternative Amid Telegram Clampdown

Nigeriacommunicationsweek | 13-02-2026 12:04pm |

Russia has confirmed the blocking of popular messaging platform WhatsApp, directing its citizens to switch to the state-backed Max messenger, in a move escalating restrictions on foreign digital services. The decision, announced by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Thursday, stems from WhatsApp’s parent company Meta’s alleged failure to comply with Russian laws, though specifics were

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