Telegram Displaces WhatsApp As Russia's Popular Messaging Tool

Telegram surpassed Meta Platforms Inc FB owned WhatsApp to become Russia's most popular messaging tool, Reuters reports based on PJSC MegaFon MFOYY.
The service started actively growing on February 24 as Russia sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine.
Telegram's share jumped to 63% in the first two weeks of March from 48% in the first two weeks of February. WhatsApp's share dropped to 32% from 48%.
The average Telegram user consumed 101 MB of data per day, compared to 26 MB for WhatsApp.
The Russians flocked to Telegram as Moscow restricted some digital services following Western sanctions after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Russia had slapped a lawsuit on Meta seeking to label it an "extremist organization."
Russia also actively promoted Telegram as they had banned other foreign platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Inc TWTR.
Price Action: FB shares traded lower by 1.77% at $212.65 on the last check Monday.