A senior Russian lawmaker warned on Friday that WhatsApp should begin preparing to exit the Russian market, as the government moves forward with plans to restrict foreign software and promote home-grown alternatives.
Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the State Duma’s information technology committee, stated on Telegram that Meta-owned WhatsApp is “very likely” to be added to Russia’s official list of restricted software. “It’s time for WhatsApp to prepare to leave the Russian market,” he said, citing Meta’s designation as an extremist organisation in Russia.
The warning follows President Vladimir Putin’s recent approval of legislation that supports the development of MAX — a government-integrated messaging application designed to reduce dependence on foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram. According to Gorelkin, the new app could gain considerable traction if WhatsApp, currently used daily by 68% of Russians, is restricted.
Meta, which also owns Facebook and Instagram, has seen both platforms banned in Russia since 2022, after the Kremlin launched its military campaign in Ukraine. The company has yet to respond to the latest developments.
National security and legal concerns
Fellow lawmaker Anton Nemkin, also a member of the IT committee, called WhatsApp’s continued presence in Russia a violation of national security. “The existence of such a service in Russia’s digital space is essentially a legal breach of national security,” he told state news agency TASS.
When asked about the possibility of WhatsApp’s departure, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said all digital services must comply with Russian law.
Moscow has been pursuing a policy of "digital sovereignty" for years, promoting domestic technology and services. This initiative accelerated in 2022, when numerous Western tech companies pulled out of Russia or faced restrictions in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
New restrictions ahead
Earlier this week, the Kremlin issued a list of presidential directives, including an order from Putin to impose new limitations on the use of software developed in “unfriendly countries” — those that have implemented sanctions against Russia. The deadline for enforcing these restrictions is set for 1 September.
Gorelkin indicated that WhatsApp is likely to fall under this category and face new limitations. However, he suggested that Telegram — founded by Russian-born entrepreneur Pavel Durov — may avoid similar restrictions, provided it complies with local laws.
According to Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, Telegram has begun the process of establishing a legal entity within Russia, a move seen as aligning the platform with domestic regulatory expectations.
Kyiv has recently received a small number of U.S.-made Patriot interceptors capable of downing Russian ballistic miss...
Oil prices fell after the U.S. expanded economic sanctions on Iran, as Tehran vowed to retaliate and warned it had tools to respond, raising concer...
Country music legend Dolly Parton, whose songs, unmistakable style and warmth made her one of America’s most enduring entertainers, has died ...
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that Kyiv wants peace but will not surrender to Russia, as foreign leaders joined Independence Day events marking 35 years since Ukraine’s independence.
Oil prices fell after the U.S. expanded economic sanctions on Iran, as Tehran vowed to retaliate and warned it had tools to respond, raising concerns over potential disruption to regional oil supplies.
A newly created pro-government political party has secured a commanding victory in Kazakhstan's snap parliamentary election, according to exit polls, strengthening President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's influence at a pivotal moment in the country's political transition.
Only four commodity vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, following 13 transits a day earlier, as disruptions continue to restrict traffic through the key energy chokepoint.
Kyiv has recently received a small number of U.S.-made Patriot interceptors capable of downing Russian ballistic missiles, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. It comes as Britain and France pledged stronger military support for Ukraine.
Kyiv has recently received a small number of U.S.-made Patriot interceptors capable of downing Russian ballistic missiles, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. It comes as Britain and France pledged stronger military support for Ukraine.
Canada has announced nearly $20 billion in retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods and billions in support for workers and businesses, escalating its trade dispute with Washington after President Donald Trump's latest duties took effect.
Pakistani exporters are facing soaring shipping costs to the U.S., with freight rates more than tripling on some routes as the Iran-U.S. conflict drives up war-risk insurance and fuel costs.
The trial of a Libyan man accused of building the bomb that destroyed Pan Am Flight 103 over the Scottish town of Lockerbie in 1988, killing 270 people, has been postponed by a U.S. federal judge.
France and Saudi Arabia have agreed on plans for a $7 billion manga-themed amusement complex near Paris, inspired by the hugely popular Japanese franchise Dragon Ball Z.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment