Russia Blocks WhatsApp, Pushing Users to State-Backed Apps; Zuckerberg's Meta Challenged

• WhatsApp accuses Russia of blocking its services to divert users to state-supported domestic apps, part of a broader internet control strategy.
• Russia's move challenges Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and American tech dominance, mirroring China's approach to digital sovereignty.
• Tensions escalated since the 2022 Ukraine invasion; Russia promotes 'MAX' app, while critics fear surveillance.
• Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov states WhatsApp's return depends on compliance with Russian laws; Roskomnadzor removed WhatsApp from its directory.
• Russia previously limited foreign messaging services and blocked Apple's FaceTime, citing non-compliance with law enforcement requests.