By bizn_fun 
Moscow has made extensive efforts to push Russians to a state-developed communications platform called Max.
The app has been likened to China’s WeChat – a so-called “super app” that combines messaging and government services, but without encryption.
Russia has argued that both WhatsApp and Telegram have refused to store Russian users’ data in the country as required by law.
Since 2025, the authorities have mandated that the Max app be pre-installed on all new devices sold in the country. Public sector employees, teachers and students have been required to use the platform.
Telegram’s chief executive, Russian-born businessman Pavel Durov, said the state is restricting access to its service in an attempt to force its people to use its own app for surveillance and political censorship.
Iran has tried a similar strategy to ban Telegram and push its people to a state-run alternative, but citizens have found ways to work around this, he wrote online.
“Restricting citizens’ freedom is never the right answer,” said Durov.