WhatsApp in firing line as Russia prepares to hit back at US with sanctions by banning Meta’s messaging app, aims to develop its own

Russian lawmakers are preparing to ban WhatsApp, citing national security risks and aiming for digital sovereignty amidst ongoing tensions with the U.S. This move follows previous bans on Facebook and Instagram, pushing Russians towards state-backed alternatives like MAX, a messaging app developed by VK. Critics fear increased government control and censorship as Russia restricts foreign software and data sharing.