Russia Blocks Encrypted Calls, Pushes State App MAX

- Over 100 million users impacted as Kremlin targets WhatsApp and Telegram. - Internet outages in southern Russia amplify digital disruptions. On August 14, 2025, Cryptopolitan reported that Russia began restricting encrypted calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, a move impacting over 100 million users. These restrictions coincide with widespread internet outages in southern regions, while the Kremlin is also aggressively promoting MAX, a government-backed messaging platform, marking a significant push to control digital communications. Russia's communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, justified the measures, stating that the restrictions aim to curb the use of encrypted messaging for criminal activities such as terrorism and fraud. In response, WhatsApp, owned by Meta, warned that the restrictions compromise private and secure communication for users and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining encryption despite regulatory challenges from Russian authorities. As part of its broader digital control strategy, the Kremlin is actively promoting MAX, a new state-supported messaging app integrated with government services. To this end, Russian lawmakers are urging citizens to adopt MAX, presenting it as a secure alternative to foreign platforms that aligns with national communication policies. Adding to these disruptions, southern Russia has experienced significant internet outages, with reports from the Krasnodar region citing unstable mobile signals and interruptions to GPS-based navigation apps. Human Rights Watch highlighted that these developments reflect the Kremlin's ongoing effort to create a tightly monitored domestic internet framework controlled by state authorities. As of August 14 at 12:00 UTC, Bitcoin (BTC) was trading at $29,348, a 1.8% decrease in 24-hour trading volume, while Ethereum (ETH) was trading at $1,826, a 2.0% increase over the past 24 hours.