Russia has blocked WhatsApp and Telegram as part of a sweeping crackdown on Meta platforms, designating the parent company as an "extremist organization." The move forces millions of users to adopt Max, a government-controlled messaging app that allows authorities to monitor all communications. Facebook and Instagram were also blocked.

This aggressive action follows weeks of increasing restrictions on Telegram, which Russia has now completely blocked. The government controls internet traffic through state servers, enabling it to cut off access to foreign platforms. While WhatsApp had at least 100 million users in Russia, it was removed from Roskomnadzor's online directory, effectively cutting off access.

The timing is particularly problematic as Telegram remains vital for Russian soldiers on the front lines of the Ukraine invasion, who use it for military alerts and family communication. Even Putin's supporters have reportedly expressed anger at the Telegram ban. By forcing adoption of Max, the government aims to eliminate encrypted messaging options and expand its surveillance capabilities across all digital communications.