WhatsApp is now fully blocked in Russia
TL;DR
WhatsApp has been fully blocked in Russia, affecting up to 100 million users, as authorities removed it from online directories. This follows previous bans on Telegram, Meta apps, and degraded YouTube access, with the government promoting the unencrypted app Max.
Source: Engadget
After warnings from lawmakers last year, WhatsApp has been blocked in Russia for as many as 100 million users, the Financial Times reported. Russian authorities removed the app from an online directory, effectively wiping it from Russia's internet. The government has previously said that it wants users to switch to an app called Max, an unencrypted WeChat clone. The Russian government deleted WhatsApp rival Telegram Feb. 11, while also erasing Meta apps Facebook and Instagram. YouTube access was also reportedly degraded, though it's not clear if the app has been completely removed. Full Story