Russia Warns of Full WhatsApp Block as It Pushes Domestic Apps

Bloomberg TechnologyFriday, November 28, 2025 at 4:42:25 PM
NegativeTechnology
Russia Warns of Full WhatsApp Block as It Pushes Domestic Apps
  • Russia is advancing towards a complete block of WhatsApp, following months of service degradation, as part of its strategy to replace Western communication platforms with domestic alternatives. This move reflects the country's ongoing efforts to assert control over digital communication within its borders.
  • The potential full block of WhatsApp could significantly impact users who rely on the platform for communication, as well as Meta, the parent company, which faces challenges in maintaining user engagement and trust amid increasing scrutiny and competition from domestic apps.
  • This development highlights a broader trend of nations prioritizing local technology solutions over foreign platforms, amid rising concerns over data privacy and security vulnerabilities, as evidenced by recent reports of significant flaws in WhatsApp that could expose user information.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

Was this article worth reading? Share it

Recommended apps based on your readingExplore all apps
Continue Readings
A Global Drive to Curb Social Media for Kids Begins in Australia
PositiveTechnology
Australia has initiated a significant policy to ban social media access for children under 16, a move that has garnered international attention as other nations observe its implications closely. This initiative aims to enhance online safety for minors amid growing concerns about the risks associated with social media usage.
Airbus Enters Last Weeks of the Year Facing a Cosmic Distraction
NegativeTechnology
Airbus SE is entering the final weeks of the year with an ambitious aircraft delivery target, but it faces unexpected challenges, including a significant software issue affecting its A320 fleet. This situation has arisen following an incident involving a JetBlue Airways aircraft, which has prompted the company to issue a warning regarding the need for urgent software fixes across more than half of its active A320 jets.
Norway’s $2.1 Trillion Fund Backs Microsoft in Human Rights Vote
PositiveTechnology
Norway’s $2.1 trillion sovereign wealth fund has expressed its support for Microsoft Corp. in a contentious case regarding the company's human rights vetting processes, highlighting the fund's commitment to ethical investment practices.
The Private Equity-Owned Data Center Behind Giant CME Outage
NeutralTechnology
A significant outage at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) was traced back to a private equity-owned data center, disrupting trading for over 10 hours and affecting global markets. This facility, located west of Chicago, handles an estimated $25 quadrillion in notional trade volume daily, highlighting its critical role in the financial ecosystem.
Nu, Revolut Lead Fintech Quest for Mexico’s Middle-Class Wealth
PositiveTechnology
Nu and Revolut are leading the fintech sector in Mexico, leveraging hard-won banking licenses to pursue payroll deposits from the growing middle-class population. This strategic move highlights the increasing competition among fintech companies to capture a share of Mexico's financial market.
Marshall Wace to Charge Clients for Costs of Hiring AI Talent
NegativeTechnology
Marshall Wace, a stock-picking hedge fund, has announced that it will begin charging clients for the increasing costs associated with hiring and retaining technology, trading, and risk personnel, amid a competitive talent landscape. This decision reflects the ongoing challenges in attracting skilled professionals in the financial technology sector.
AI Shopping Bots Threaten to Upend Amazon’s E-Commerce Dominance
NegativeTechnology
The emergence of AI shopping bots poses a significant challenge to Amazon's e-commerce dominance, as highlighted by Spencer Soper in Bloomberg Technology. These bots are designed to enhance consumer shopping experiences, potentially disrupting traditional online retail models.
Meta is kicking ChatGPT and Copilot out of WhatsApp – and forcing everyone to use its unpopular AI chatbot instead
NegativeTechnology
Meta has announced that ChatGPT and Copilot will be removed from WhatsApp by 2026, as the company enforces a ban on rival chatbots, compelling users to adopt its own AI chatbot, which has not gained popularity among users. This decision marks a significant shift in the competitive landscape of AI chatbots within messaging platforms.