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BTCC / BTCC Square / Global Cryptocurrency /
Telegram Overtakes WhatsApp in Russia Amid Regulatory Crackdown

Telegram Overtakes WhatsApp in Russia Amid Regulatory Crackdown

Author:
Global Cryptocurrency
Published:
2026-03-05 13:13:01
16
2
BTCCSquare news:

Messaging app Telegram surged past WhatsApp as Russia's most popular platform in January 2026, reaching 95.978 million active users compared to WhatsApp's 89.418 million. The shift follows Moscow's throttling of global platforms that refuse to comply with data localization demands.

By February, Telegram's user base dipped slightly to 95.692 million, while WhatsApp lost 9.1 million users—a steeper decline attributed to government restrictions. Analysts warn Telegram's lead may be short-lived as regulators signal potential blocking.

The Kremlin-backed alternative Max gained traction during the upheaval, though its long-term viability remains uncertain. Market observers note the upheaval mirrors broader tech sector volatility, where regulatory actions disproportionately impact user behavior.

|Square

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