On February 11, WhatsApp announced that the Russian government has taken decisive steps to “fully block” its services within the country. This move appears to be part of a broader strategy to promote a state-sponsored “super” app known as Max, as reported by Bloomberg. The abrupt cessation of WhatsApp services has left millions of users disconnected, prompting the Meta Platforms-owned messaging service to emphasize its commitment to maintaining connectivity for over 100 million users in Russia.
What is Russia’s “super app” Max?
Max is a state-run “super-app” that draws inspiration from China’s WeChat, according to reports. This multifaceted platform not only facilitates messaging but also integrates a variety of government services, document storage, banking, and other public and commercial applications. Users can expect features such as messaging, money transfers, and audio and video calls, all within a single interface.
However, concerns have been raised regarding privacy and user tracking, with critics suggesting that Max could be utilized for surveillance purposes. State media, on the other hand, have dismissed these allegations as unfounded. Notably, Max was developed by VKontakte (VK), a company co-founded by Pavel Durov, the owner of Telegram, who exited Russia in 2014 after selling his shares. VK is currently state-owned. Additionally, the Russian government has mandated that smartphone manufacturers pre-install Max on all mobile devices sold within the country, as reported by CNN.
Russia moves to edge out foreign messaging apps
This initiative coincides with the Russian government’s ongoing efforts to restrict access to foreign messaging applications. In addition to WhatsApp, Telegram has also faced limitations in Russia. On the same day as WhatsApp’s announcement, Moscow revealed plans to restrict Telegram, citing the need to “protect Russian citizens.” The government accused Telegram of failing to block content deemed “criminal and terrorist.”
According to the RBC news service, Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, is set to impose restrictions on Telegram, although specific details remain undisclosed. Furthermore, Telegram is currently facing a hefty fine of 64 million rubles (approximately 8,000) for allegedly not removing restricted content and failing to self-regulate, as reported by state news agency TASS News. In a related move, Roskomnadzor also blocked Apple’s FaceTime video-calling app in December, as noted by Reuters.
What’s next for WhatsApp in Russia? Official says…
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that the potential for WhatsApp’s return to Russia hinges on the company’s willingness to comply with local regulatory requirements. In comments made to TASS on February 11, Peskov stated, “This is again a question of fulfilling the legislation. If the Meta corporation fulfills this and enters into dialogue with Russian authorities, then we have the possibility of reaching an agreement. 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.” The Kremlin has yet to respond to inquiries from Reuters.
WhatsApp ban in Russia: Here’s why messaging app has been ‘fully blocked’ by Moscow and what happens next
On February 11, WhatsApp announced that the Russian government has taken decisive steps to “fully block” its services within the country. This move appears to be part of a broader strategy to promote a state-sponsored “super” app known as Max, as reported by Bloomberg. The abrupt cessation of WhatsApp services has left millions of users disconnected, prompting the Meta Platforms-owned messaging service to emphasize its commitment to maintaining connectivity for over 100 million users in Russia.
What is Russia’s “super app” Max?
Max is a state-run “super-app” that draws inspiration from China’s WeChat, according to reports. This multifaceted platform not only facilitates messaging but also integrates a variety of government services, document storage, banking, and other public and commercial applications. Users can expect features such as messaging, money transfers, and audio and video calls, all within a single interface.
However, concerns have been raised regarding privacy and user tracking, with critics suggesting that Max could be utilized for surveillance purposes. State media, on the other hand, have dismissed these allegations as unfounded. Notably, Max was developed by VKontakte (VK), a company co-founded by Pavel Durov, the owner of Telegram, who exited Russia in 2014 after selling his shares. VK is currently state-owned. Additionally, the Russian government has mandated that smartphone manufacturers pre-install Max on all mobile devices sold within the country, as reported by CNN.
Russia moves to edge out foreign messaging apps
This initiative coincides with the Russian government’s ongoing efforts to restrict access to foreign messaging applications. In addition to WhatsApp, Telegram has also faced limitations in Russia. On the same day as WhatsApp’s announcement, Moscow revealed plans to restrict Telegram, citing the need to “protect Russian citizens.” The government accused Telegram of failing to block content deemed “criminal and terrorist.”
According to the RBC news service, Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, is set to impose restrictions on Telegram, although specific details remain undisclosed. Furthermore, Telegram is currently facing a hefty fine of 64 million rubles (approximately 8,000) for allegedly not removing restricted content and failing to self-regulate, as reported by state news agency TASS News. In a related move, Roskomnadzor also blocked Apple’s FaceTime video-calling app in December, as noted by Reuters.
What’s next for WhatsApp in Russia? Official says…
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that the potential for WhatsApp’s return to Russia hinges on the company’s willingness to comply with local regulatory requirements. In comments made to TASS on February 11, Peskov stated, “This is again a question of fulfilling the legislation. If the Meta corporation fulfills this and enters into dialogue with Russian authorities, then we have the possibility of reaching an agreement. 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.” The Kremlin has yet to respond to inquiries from Reuters.