Russia cracks down on WhatsApp as it pushes state-backed rival

WhatsApp and Telegram messenger app icons displayed on a smartphone next to a screen showing the coat of arms of Roskomnadzor, Russia's communications regulator. Both WhatsApp and Telegram appeared to still be available via VPN connections in Russia on Feb 12. — Reuters

MOSCOW: Russia has blocked the popular messaging service WhatsApp over its failure to comply with local legislation, the Kremlin said on Feb 12, urging its 100 million Russian users to switch to a domestic alternative.

Moscow has for months been trying to shift Russian users onto Max, a domestic messaging service that lacks end-to-end encryption and that activists have called a potential tool for surveillance.