Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:54am on 13 Feb 2026,Friday International
Russia has ordered a nationwide block on WhatsApp as part of tighter controls on foreign messaging platforms. The Kremlin said the action was taken because Meta did not follow Russian legal rules. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Meta could return if it “complies with the law and enters into dialogue.” WhatsApp said the step would push over 100 million users toward a state-backed app and called it “a backwards step.” Regulators also moved to limit Telegram, citing security concerns. Authorities are promoting the state-developed Max messenger as an alternative. Critics say the app could allow surveillance, while state media deny those claims. (PC: BBC)
