Russia Blocks WhatsApp Calls Amid Internet Blackouts and Push for New 'Super-App

Russia Targets WhatsApp, Pushes New 'Super-App' as Internet Blackouts Grow In a move that has left millions of Russians struggling to stay connected, the country's media regulator, Roskomnadzor, imposed restrictions on calls made through WhatsApp and Telegram in mid-August. The timing coincided with the rollout of a new "national messenger" app known as Max, created by a Russian firm closely controlled by the Kremlin. The restrictions have affected an estimated 97 million WhatsApp users and 90 million Telegram users in Russia, where these apps are used for everything from personal chats to business communications. Marina, a 45-year-old freelance copywriter, was among those affected. "I relied on WhatsApp for my work and personal life," she said. "But one day last month, I couldn't make a call to a colleague. We tried Telegram, but that didn't work either." The restrictions are part of a broader effort by the Russian government to tighten its grip on online communications. In 2020, Meta, the owner of WhatsApp, was designated an extremist organisation in Russia. The move has been seen as an attempt to limit the spread of information and suppress dissent. Roskomnadzor's decision to restrict calls through WhatsApp and Telegram is a significant escalation of the government's efforts to control online communications. In recent months, internet blackouts have become increasingly common in Russia, with many users reporting difficulties accessing popular apps and websites. The rollout of Max, the new national messenger app, has been touted as a solution to these problems. However, experts say that it is unlikely to replace WhatsApp and Telegram anytime soon. "Max is a pale imitation of the real thing," said Sergey Goryashko, a technology analyst at the BBC. "It lacks the features and functionality that users have come to expect from messaging apps." The implications of Roskomnadzor's decision are far-reaching. With millions of Russians struggling to stay connected, businesses and individuals are facing significant disruptions to their operations. The restrictions also raise concerns about the impact on free speech and online expression. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how users will adapt to the new restrictions. Will Max become a viable alternative to WhatsApp and Telegram? Or will the Russian government's efforts to control online communications ultimately backfire? In the meantime, one thing is clear: Russia's internet blackouts are here to stay – at least for now. Background: The restrictions on WhatsApp and Telegram are part of a broader effort by the Russian government to tighten its grip on online communications. In 2020, Meta was designated an extremist organisation in Russia, and since then, the government has taken steps to limit access to popular apps and websites. Additional Perspectives: Experts say that the rollout of Max is unlikely to replace WhatsApp and Telegram anytime soon. "Max lacks the features and functionality that users have come to expect from messaging apps," said Sergey Goryashko. Current Status: The restrictions on WhatsApp and Telegram are in place, with millions of Russians struggling to stay connected. The rollout of Max has been touted as a solution, but experts say it is unlikely to replace the popular apps anytime soon. Next Developments: As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how users will adapt to the new restrictions. Will Max become a viable alternative to WhatsApp and Telegram? Or will the Russian government's efforts to control online communications ultimately backfire? *Reporting by Bbc.*