Tech
Russia Bans WhatsApp, Pushes Users to Less Secure State-Backed App
Russia has officially blocked WhatsApp, the messaging platform owned by Meta, removing it from the country’s online directory and effectively cutting off access within the Russian internet.
More than 100 million people in Russia use WhatsApp, according to available estimates.
Russian authorities had previously warned that WhatsApp could face a ban in 2025. In July 2025, a member of the Russian parliament, which oversees regulation of the IT sector, said there was a strong possibility the platform would be added to the list of banned services.
The Russian government has encouraged users to migrate to Max, a domestic messaging app described as similar to WeChat. However, Max does not provide end-to-end encryption.
Meta said in a statement that the Russian government has attempted to block WhatsApp completely to move users to what it described as a government-run surveillance app.
According to Meta, the move would deprive more than 100 million people of secure communications and reduce protections for users in Russia.
On February 11, Russian authorities also removed Telegram from the online directory.
Access to Meta’s other platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, has also been made inaccessible. Meta has been placed on Russia’s list of extremist organizations.
Reports indicate that YouTube has also been banned, although it is unclear whether it has been completely removed from the online directory.
The Russian president has also directed authorities to tighten sanctions on foreign communication apps in 2025.
Tecno has introduced the Tecno Pova Curve 2, which is claimed to be the slimmest smartphone to house an 8,000 mAh battery. It also brings a refreshed design compared to the original Pova Curve.
Design and Display
The Tecno Pova Curve 2 features a 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. The panel supports up to 4,500 nits of peak brightness.
Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protects the screen. The phone features an IP64 rating and is equipped with SGS-certified drop protection. The device measures 7.42mm in thickness and weighs 195 grams. It will be available in Mystic Purple, Melting Silver, and Storm Titanium color options.
Additional hardware features include an in-display fingerprint scanner and a single speaker with Dolby Atmos support.
Internals and Software
The smartphone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 processor, paired with 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage. The original Pova Curve was equipped with the Dimensity 7300 Ultimate chipset.
The Pova Curve 2 runs Android 16 with HiOS 16 layered on top. Tecno has stated that the device will receive two Android OS upgrades.
Cameras
On the rear, the phone includes a dual camera setup consisting of a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor.
For selfies, the device offers a 13MP front-facing camera positioned inside a hole-punch cutout.
Battery and Pricing
One of the key highlights of the Tecno Pova Curve 2 is its 8,000 mAh battery, which supports 45W fast charging.
Pricing is set at $310 for the 8GB/128GB variant and $330 for the 8GB/256GB model.
Tecno Pova Curve 2 Specifications
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7100 (6 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (4×2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Mali-G610 MC2 |
| OS | Android 16, HiOS 16 |
| Supported Networks | 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G |
| Display | 6.78 inches, 1208 x 2644 pixels, AMOLED, 144Hz, 2304Hz PWM, 4500 nits (peak) |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Card Slot | no |
| Main Camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens |
| Front Camera | 13 MP |
| Colors | Silver, Purple, Titanium |
| Fingerprint sensor | under display, optical |
| Battery |
8000 mAh, 45W wired charging |
| Price |
$310 |
The date and time of the next Galaxy Unpacked have been confirmed by Samsung with details of how to watch and early pre-order discounts.
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