WhatsApp says Russia tried to fully block service to push state app (opens in new tab)

(reuters.com)

8 pointsjumpocelot1mo ago4 comments

4 comments

Is WhatsApp really that common in Russia? I would assume most people just use VK and Telegram.

It is very common, on par with Telegram. Telegram is also banned as well, everyone is herded to "MAX" messenger, developed by VK ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_(app) )

ramuel1mo ago

Huh, the more you know. That's pretty interesting. I didnt know Telegram was banned nor the popularity of WhatsApp (and the new app) but I suppose it makes sense with the circumstances going on there. Appreciate it!

jumpocelotOP1mo ago

I believe it's quite popular, actually. Data gathered from a leak [1] shows that Russia had the 5th largest share of total WhatsApp users as of 2021.

[1] https://arxiv.org/pdf/2511.20252

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4 comments

ramuel1mo ago

Is WhatsApp really that common in Russia? I would assume most people just use VK and Telegram.

mgrviper1mo ago

It is very common, on par with Telegram. Telegram is also banned as well, everyone is herded to "MAX" messenger, developed by VK ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_(app) )

ramuel1mo ago

jumpocelotOP1mo ago

I believe it's quite popular, actually. Data gathered from a leak [1] shows that Russia had the 5th largest share of total WhatsApp users as of 2021.

[1] https://arxiv.org/pdf/2511.20252

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