In Russia, authorities are tightening control over communications even further.
21 August 2025
Phone calls are now blocked on WhatsApp and Telegram.
Seen as a possible prelude to creating a Chinese-style internet cut off from the world, this partial block is aimed at pushing Russians to use poorly secured 'national' messaging app Max, the new 100% Russian messaging app developed by national tech giant VKontakte.
Seen as a possible prelude to creating a Chinese-style internet cut off from the world, this partial block is aimed at pushing Russians to use poorly secured 'national' messaging app Max, the new 100% Russian messaging app developed by national tech giant VKontakte.