Russia has officially blocked WhatsApp due to Meta's non-compliance with local laws, as announced by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. The Kremlin encourages citizens to use MAX, a state-owned messaging app, as an alternative. In response, WhatsApp expressed concern that the ban isolates over 100 million users from private communication, which could decrease safety. Critics have raised concerns about MAX being a potential surveillance tool, while Russian authorities deny these claims. Roskomnadzor began imposing restrictions on WhatsApp last August, citing violations of Russian laws and claims of the platform being used for illicit activities.