Russia Blocks WhatsApp: Putin Clashes with US Over Information Control

• Russia has completely blocked WhatsApp, impacting over 100 million users, as Moscow intensifies pressure on Western digital platforms.
• Meta stated that the decision would severely affect users' privacy and online security.
• The Russian government is promoting its state-sponsored 'super app' called Max, modeled after China's WeChat, which offers government services, banking, and messaging.
• Critics fear Max could be used for user tracking, though state media dismisses these allegations.
• Russia is also restricting other foreign messaging apps like Telegram and has blocked Apple's FaceTime, citing non-compliance with regulatory requirements.