Russia's 'Digital Strike' on WhatsApp: Attempt to Block, Promote State App MAX

• Russia is attempting a 'digital surgical strike' by banning WhatsApp amidst tensions with America and the war with Ukraine.
• WhatsApp claims Russia is trying to block its service to divert users to government surveillance apps.
• This move is seen as an attempt to keep over 100 million users from private communication, endangering their security.
• A company spokesperson stated Russia aims for more control over the internet by promoting domestically developed platforms.
• Russia is promoting a government-supported competitor app named MAX, which critics claim can be used to track users.