The largest country in the world is about to ban the most popular chat app on Earth. With a massive 2 billion active users, WhatsApp has become the dominant messaging platform globally. But now, Russia, which spans 17.1 million square kilometers, is reportedly moving toward blocking WhatsApp within its borders.
The reason? Russia is developing its own state-backed messaging platform.
According to Reuters, a Russian lawmaker responsible for the IT sector has stated that WhatsApp should prepare to leave the country. The app might soon be added to a list of restricted software as Russia aims to reduce its reliance on foreign platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Last month, President Putin signed a law allowing the creation of a Russian state-run messaging service, MAX. This app will integrate government services, and officials believe it could capture a larger market share if WhatsApp is forced out. Currently, 68% of Russians use WhatsApp daily, making it a significant player in the country.
Russia has already banned Meta’s social media platforms Facebook and Instagram since 2022. But now, further legal changes are being made to punish individuals who seek specific online content, including content from Facebook and Instagram. This move has received backlash even from pro-Kremlin figures like Margarita Simonyan, who expressed concerns that it could hinder journalists’ ability to investigate opposition groups.
Anton Nemkin, a member of the parliamentary IT committee, declared that WhatsApp’s continued presence in Russia is a national security threat. This rhetoric sounds familiar, doesn’t it? It mirrors the U.S. government’s stance on TikTok.
Meanwhile, YouTube’s Russian audience has sharply decreased. The video platform now has fewer than 10 million daily users, a steep decline from over 40 million in mid-2024, partly due to throttled speeds.
In October 2024, a Russian court slapped Google with a monumental fine-$2.5 decillion-following a long string of legal battles. This fine resulted from an earlier penalty Google faced in 2020 after YouTube restricted some accounts, with more fines imposed after Google banned Russian state-backed media and restricted AdSense accounts. The fines continued to escalate when Google refused to pay, culminating in a fine that was doubled weekly for four years.
What do you think about these measures? Which app would you want banned in your country? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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