Russia: Law for State Messaging App to Replace WhatsApp, Telegram

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law allowing the development of a state messaging application to be integrated into government services. The aim is to reduce dependence on platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram.

Russia has been seeking 'digital sovereignty' by promoting domestic services, an effort that has intensified after Western companies withdrew from the Russian market following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Russian lawmakers claim that the state application will offer features not available on Meta Platforms' Telegram and WhatsApp platforms. However, critics express concerns about privacy and personal freedoms due to state control.

Mikhail Klimarev, director of the Internet Protection Society, predicts that Russia will slow down the speeds of WhatsApp and Telegram to promote the new application.

Source: APE-MPE-Reuters