• Russia's communications watchdog threatens to fully block WhatsApp over compliance issues.
• The country has imposed restrictions since August, citing failure to combat crime.
• A state-backed alternative, MAX, is being heavily promoted following these threats.
• WhatsApp claims Russia is attempting to hinder secure communication for its users.
• Authorities argue that WhatsApp is misused for organizing illegal activities.

Russia's state communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has threatened to completely block WhatsApp if it fails to meet Russian legal requirements. The agency claims that the Meta-owned messaging service is non-compliant with laws designed to prevent and combat crime, and it has already imposed restrictions on the service since August. According to Roskomnadzor, “If the messaging service continues to fail to meet the demands of Russian legislation, it will be completely blocked,” highlighting the government's stance on compliance, according to Reuters and India Times.

The limitations imposed on WhatsApp have reportedly reduced the quality of calls made through the platform, with the authorities alleging that it is being used to facilitate criminal activities, including fraud. Roskomnadzor specified that WhatsApp has not implemented the necessary measures to align with local laws, asserting it continues to violate these requirements. This ongoing issue is part of a larger trend of increasing government pressure on foreign digital platforms, as exemplified by recent actions against various tech companies, according to AA.

As part of its push for compliance, the Russian government is promoting a state-backed messaging application known as MAX, which is designed to serve multiple functions similar to international superapps. Authorities claim that over 45 million accounts have been created, with a strong campaign to transition users from foreign platforms to domestic ones. Critics maintain that MAX could be used to track users, a claim dismissed by state media as false, according to Reuters, India Times, and AA.