Russia Bans WhatsApp, Shocks America: A Strategy to Boost Domestic Apps?

• Russia is reportedly moving to ban WhatsApp, aiming to redirect users to government-supported domestic apps.
• This move is seen as part of Russia's broader strategy to control the internet and limit foreign tech influence, similar to China's approach.
• Tensions between Moscow and Western tech companies have escalated since the 2022 Ukraine invasion.
• Russian officials are promoting a domestic app called 'MAX', while critics raise concerns about potential user surveillance.
• WhatsApp has been removed from Russia's online directory, impacting an estimated 100 million users, with the government demanding compliance with local laws for service resumption.