information flow

Millions of Russians were disconnected from WhatsApp after Russian authorities removed the app from the online directory managed by Roskomnadzor. This action is part of a campaign to restrict access to foreign messaging platforms and encourage the use of a state-sanctioned app called Max, which lacks encryption. Concurrently, Meta's Facebook and Instagram were also removed from the directory and designated as “extremist,” limiting their access to VPNs. Reports indicate that access to YouTube has been impaired. Telegram has gained popularity and faced restrictions, with concerns raised by officials about the impact on information flow. Since last summer, Russia has systematically degraded access to WhatsApp and Telegram, implementing measures that have significantly slowed performance and limited functionalities.