Score: 21.2Impact: highRisk: medium

Russia bans WhatsApp, pushes state-backed alternative

Al Jazeera — All News2026-02-12 14:36Original source →

Russia has banned the messaging app WhatsApp and is promoting a state-backed alternative, which rights campaigners argue is an effort to increase government control and surveillance over communication.

#Russia #WhatsApp #surveillance #government control #messaging apps #freedom of expression #state-backed alternative

Entities

Russia (place)WhatsApp (org)rights campaigners (org)

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Epiphany Intel

💡What's actually new?

⚡Why it matters

▸High societal impact — significant public interest implications.
▸Moderate risk — warrants continued monitoring.

👤Actors involved

Russiaplace

WhatsApporg

rights campaignersorg

🔗Links & context

Russia orders block on WhatsApp in messaging app crackdown

#Russia #WhatsApp #surveillance #government control #messaging apps

Russia bans WhatsApp, pushes state-backed alternative

Entities

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