Kremlin cites legal violations, imposes fines and directs millions of users to shift to the government-developed Max messaging platform amid tighter internet controls
Russia has escalated its digital regulation crackdown by blocking WhatsApp nationwide and imposing restrictions and fines on Telegram. Authorities are pushing citizens toward a state-backed platform known as ‘Maxz, officials and tech news sources report.
The move comes amid Moscow’s broader efforts to tighten control over internet communications and enforce compliance with Russian laws on foreign technology platforms. WhatsApp, which had more than 100 million users in the country, has been officially blocked after Russian authorities said it failed to meet local legal requirements, with users now encouraged to switch to Max.
Simultaneously, the communications watchdog has banned Telegram and slapped fines reportedly equivalent to over Rs 7.5 crore on the platform over alleged security and regulatory violations, according to technology news sources.
The Kremlin has framed these steps as necessary for national security and regulatory compliance, though critics argue the measures aim to funnel users toward Max, a “super-app” that lacks the robust encryption of foreign rivals and could enhance state oversight.
Authorities have also urged that Max be promoted as the primary messaging solution in Russia, with past directives requiring it to be pre-installed on new devices. These developments reflect a continuing trend of digital sovereignty efforts that have seen other foreign platforms restricted or removed entirely from the Russian internet space.
Rights advocates and tech experts warn that the crackdown significantly diminishes access to secure, private communication tools in the country, raising concerns about surveillance, censorship and shrinking digital freedoms.
Also Read: Alleged Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Threat Targets Ranveer Singh and Rohit Shetty
