Those who've paid attention in Web Awareness class know very well that WhatsApp is the most popular chat app on the planet, with its 2 billion monthly active users. Those who use ChatGPT know that Russia is the largest country in the world, with its 17.1 million square kilometers of land.
Anyway, Russia is about to ban WhatsApp.
Why? Well, there are probably lots of reasons for this to happen, but among them is this one: Russia will apparently develop its own state-backed messaging app.
Reuters reports that a Russian lawmaker overseeing the IT sector stated how WhatsApp should prepare to exit the country. The app could find itself on a list of restricted software, because Russia wants to reduce its reliance on foreign platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Image by PhoneArena
Last month, President Putin signed legislation authorizing the creation of a state-backed messaging platform, MAX, which will integrate government services. Another official commented that MAX could capture a larger share of the market if WhatsApp (currently used by 68% of Russians daily) is forced to leave. Yeah, I bet! Meta's social media platforms Facebook and Instagram have been banned in the country since 2022, following what happened that year.
Meanwhile, Russian lawmakers have passed broad legal amendments imposing fines of up to 5,000 roubles ($63) on individuals searching for particular online content. This classification covers not only Facebook and Instagram but also opposition figures and activists. The move has faced criticism, even from pro-Kremlin voices like Margarita Simonyan, a state media executive, who argued that such measures could hinder journalists from investigating opposition groups.
Anton Nemkin, member of the parliamentary IT committee, asserted that WhatsApp's presence in Russia is now effectively decided, describing it as a threat to national security.
Where have I heard that before? Right, from the White House, and it was about TikTok!
Should countries ban apps?
Yes, every country should decide what is allowed.
36.36%
Yes, but only liberal democracies should censor apps,.
0%
No, live and let live!
63.64%
Meanwhile, Google's YouTube is also on fire, and it has seen its Russian audience drop to fewer than 10 million daily users, down from over 40 million in mid-2024, due to throttled speeds.
Back in October 2024, a Russian court fined Google an astronomical $2.5 decillion, a figure equating to 23 million times all the money on Earth. The penalty originated from a 100,000-ruble ($1,032) fine in 2020 after YouTube restricted some accounts. Additional fines were imposed as Google banned other Russian state-backed media. Google's refusal to pay led the court to double the fine weekly for four years. Tensions worsened after Google disabled AdSense accounts and limited new Russian user accounts, following the bankruptcy of its Russian subsidiary in 2022.
Which app would you like to see banned in your own country? Let me know in the comments below!
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Sebastian, a veteran of a tech writer with over 15 years of experience in media and marketing, blends his lifelong fascination with writing and technology to provide valuable insights into the realm of mobile devices. Embracing the evolution from PCs to smartphones, he harbors a special appreciation for the Google Pixel line due to their superior camera capabilities. Known for his engaging storytelling style, sprinkled with rich literary and film references, Sebastian critically explores the impact of technology on society, while also perpetually seeking out the next great tech deal, making him a distinct and relatable voice in the tech world.
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