Russian lawmaker says WhatsApp is a security threat and should prepare to leave the Russian market

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.

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