Business · South Africa
Russia Bans WhatsApp Over Non-Compliance with Laws
TechCentral · 2026/02/12
Summary
Russia has banned WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, because the company did not follow the country's local laws. This means people in Russia can no longer use WhatsApp to send messages or make calls. The move is part of ongoing tensions between Russia and international tech companies over regulations and control of online services. Many Russians will now have to find alternative messaging apps to stay connected. This ban affects millions of users in Russia who rely on WhatsApp for personal and business communication.
OnABudget takeaway: For South Africans, this shows how government rules can impact access to digital services. Investors and small businesses should watch how regulations affect tech platforms they rely on for communication and marketing.