WhatsApp | Crypto

Russia’s recent messaging crackdown is the cleanest real-world stress test of decentralization in years, and it produced an awkward result. Roskomnadzor began throttling Telegram on Feb. 10, citing “non-compliance.” Two days later, authorities fully blocked WhatsApp, removing its domains from Russia's national registry and forcing users toward VPNs or MAX, a state-backed messenger that critics […] The post Russia’s censorship crackdown and WhatsApp ban expose the decentralization gap the crypto industry keeps missing appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Russian news outlets reported on Wednesday that WhatsApp’s domain had been completely blocked and was inaccessible without a VPN or another workaround. WhatsApp, the messaging app owned by social media giant Meta, has accused Russia of attempting to block access for millions of its users to push them towards its state-owned alternative. “Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backward step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia. We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected,” the company said in an X post on Wednesday. Moscow’s state-backed platform Max was launched in March 2025 by Russian tech firm VK as a domestic alternative to foreign-owned services such as WhatsApp and Telegram. Read more

Investors logged into glossy crypto trading dashboards showing five-figure “profits,” then found themselves blocked from withdrawing a cent unless they first wired extra “taxes” or “loan repayments” to overseas accounts. When victims tried to cash out, the platforms demanded advance fees to “unlock” their accounts, yet never released any money. On Dec. 22, the SEC […] The post SEC filings reveal the multi-million dollar trap hiding inside ‘exclusive’ WhatsApp crypto investment clubs appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Telegram’s founder Pavel Durov has taken direct aim at Meta-owned WhatsApp, calling it a “cheap copycat” and accusing it of launching smear campaigns against his platform. His May 15 comments accompanied the announcement of a new $50,000 contest to showcase Telegram’s features. The competition will run until May 26. ‘Watered-down’ Durov said the contest will showcase […] The post Pavel Durov calls WhatsApp ‘cheap copycat,’ launches $50K contest to showcase Telegram’s superiority appeared first on CryptoSlate.