The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, lasting over three and a half years, with the U.S. actively involved in attempting to mediate a resolution. A key aspect of these efforts is the planned meeting between former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, set to take place in Alaska on August 15th. However, before the summit, Russia has taken action against WhatsApp, a US tech company. WhatsApp has accused Russia of hindering secure communications for its citizens, specifically by blocking calls. The company suggests that this is part of a broader plan by Russia to strengthen its own social media platforms and increase internet control. Russia has responded by stating that it has blocked some calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, citing the failure of these services to provide law enforcement with necessary information related to fraud and terrorism. While text messages and voice notes are not impacted, the move reflects escalating tensions between Russia and foreign tech companies. Russia has previously banned Facebook and Instagram and has taken measures to limit YouTube’s functionality. WhatsApp is committed to providing end-to-end encrypted communication globally, including in Russia, to protect user privacy. Parallel to these developments, the Russian government is promoting its new messaging app, ‘MAX,’ which is linked to state services. Critics fear that MAX could be used for surveillance. Senior leaders are encouraging their followers to transition to MAX. This action aligns with Russia’s strategy of gradually diminishing services, as seen with YouTube. A recent law further tightens censorship, penalizing those who access content deemed ‘extremist’ by Russia, even if using VPNs. These actions demonstrate Russia’s continuous efforts to exert greater control over its internet space and regulate information flow.
