Russia attempted to fully block WhatsApp, a move the messaging app's parent company said was aimed at pushing users toward a state-owned surveillance app. The action, which occurred as the Russian government tightened its control over online communication, was confirmed by WhatsApp on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
According to a WhatsApp spokesperson, the Russian authorities' actions were intended to drive users to a state-supported messaging app, MAX. This app is viewed by critics as a surveillance tool. The BBC reported that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the decision to block WhatsApp was made "due to Meta's unwillingness to comply with the norms and the letter of Russian law." Peskov added that Meta could resume operations if it "complies with the law and enters into dialogue."
The move to block WhatsApp is part of a broader effort by Russia to control the internet. WhatsApp stated that trying to isolate over 100 million people from private and secure communication is a "backwards step" and could lead to less safety.
In other news, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) re-opened airspace around El Paso airport on Wednesday, February 11, after a brief closure. The closure was prompted by concerns over Mexican cartel drones. For years, the FAA had blocked action against rogue drones, citing fears that military countermeasures might endanger civilian or commercial aircraft.
Meanwhile, former President Joe Biden was scheduled to be feted by South Carolina Democrats later in the month to mark the sixth anniversary of his Palmetto State primary landslide. This victory propelled Biden to the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination and later the White House.
Finally, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced she was ending the work of a task force that sought to reform the U.S. intelligence community. The task force, which was created in April, was also tasked with probing ways to reduce spending on intelligence and whether reports on high-profile topics should be declassified.
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