foreign platforms Archives

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Russia bans WhatsApp, elevates state-controlled platform

WhatsApp has been completely banned in Russia due to its non-compliance with local laws, following a campaign by the Kremlin for foreign technology firms to adhere to Russian regulations. The ban comes after six months of pressure from the government, which has also designated Meta as an extremist organization. In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has promoted MAX, a state-backed messaging service, as an alternative, despite concerns about its potential use for surveillance. Access to WhatsApp has been blocked without a VPN, leading to protests in Moscow for unrestricted internet. Some users are willing to continue using WhatsApp with a VPN until they switch to MAX. The crackdown on WhatsApp began in August, citing its failure to cooperate with law enforcement and ongoing violations of Russian law, resulting in fines and a requirement for the company to establish a local office.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Russia targets WhatsApp as it pushes homegrown messenger app

WhatsApp is facing scrutiny from the Russian regulatory authority Roskomnadzor amid heightened tensions between the Russian government and messaging platforms. The regulator previously accused WhatsApp and Telegram of violating national laws related to terrorism and scams, particularly after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which led to a ban on Facebook and Instagram. Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, criticized the Russian government for attempting to push citizens towards a state-controlled messaging app for surveillance purposes. The Kremlin is promoting a domestic messaging service called Max, which raises concerns about privacy and government intrusion. Despite restrictions, many in Russia access WhatsApp through VPNs, but the government is intensifying efforts to block these workarounds and impose fines on VPN providers. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that WhatsApp's future in Russia depends on whether Meta is willing to engage with Russian authorities, emphasizing the tension between compliance with local laws and user freedoms.

AppWizard

December 5, 2025

Banned and blocked. Russia says good-bye to messaging apps

Russia's censorship agency, Roskomnadzor, has banned several popular communication platforms, including Snapchat, WhatsApp, and FaceTime, citing their use in organizing terrorist acts, recruiting criminals, and committing fraud. The ban on WhatsApp, a widely used messaging app in Russia, is expected to have significant implications. This decision follows a pattern of increasing digital restrictions, with other services such as Facebook, Instagram, Signal, Viber, and Google Meet also being blocked. Russian authorities are promoting a national messaging app called Max, which is set to become mandatory in public sectors by January 1, 2026. Max will require full access to users' devices and will collect telemetry and metadata, raising privacy concerns due to its integration with government systems.

AppWizard

November 15, 2025

Tajikistan unveils national messaging app ORIZ

Tajiktelecom JSC has launched ORIZ, a national messaging application aimed at enhancing secure communication for local citizens and Tajiks abroad. The app is designed to provide reliable communication even under low internet speeds, with servers located in Tajikistan. It addresses the challenges faced by Tajik migrants due to restrictions on foreign platforms and aims to improve digital sovereignty for Tajikistan. ORIZ supports messaging, voice calls, and video conferences without interruption.

AppWizard

September 2, 2025

France bans WhatsApp, Telegram for government workers, mandates state messaging app

The French government has prohibited all public sector employees from using messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram for professional purposes, effective from September 1. They must transition to Tchap, a secure messaging service developed by the state, which features end-to-end encryption and stores data on French government servers. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou issued this directive on July 25, citing security concerns over foreign intelligence connections associated with consumer messaging applications. Tchap requires users to register with authorized government email domains and is intended to ensure confidentiality and optimal security for professional exchanges. Previous initiatives included a mandate for the use of Olvid, another encrypted messaging service, which can still be used by ministerial offices but Tchap is encouraged for state communications. Tchap faced security challenges during its beta launch in 2019, which were addressed. Telegram has also faced scrutiny in France for failing to comply with legal requests regarding user information.

AppWizard

August 29, 2025

Russia enforces Max messenger app on all new devices

The Kremlin plans to evolve Max into a national "super app" by integrating communication, payments, and administrative functions, with a mandatory pre-installation on devices sold in Russia starting January 1, 2026. Smart TVs sold in Russia will also come pre-installed with Lime HD TV for free access to Russian state television. The app faces restrictions alongside messaging services like WhatsApp and Telegram, which have been blocked due to national security concerns. Max is being promoted as a successor to VK Messenger, with directives issued for public institutions to transition to Max by November. Despite promotional efforts, users have reported technical difficulties and privacy concerns, as the app collects extensive user data. Max cannot be installed with foreign phone numbers, limiting access for Russians abroad. Celebrities are being recruited to promote Max, while user feedback has been mixed, with concerns regarding reliability and privacy. The app has met security requirements for integration with government services and is envisioned to facilitate various services in the future.