The senior lawmaker has warned WhatsApp to prepare for exiting the Russian market because the Meta-owned messaging service will probably fall under new government rules for restricted software.
The government-backed messenger which is currently under development will gain popularity according to Anton Gorelkin who serves as deputy head of the Duma’s IT committee because foreign apps will lose their regulatory standing. “It’s time for WhatsApp to prepare for departure,” he wrote.
President Vladimir Putin recently signed legislation enabling the rollout of a state-controlled communications app integrated with government services. The law represents one part of Moscow’s strategy to establish digital sovereignty and decrease dependence on foreign technology platforms.
Facebook and Instagram from Meta became prohibited in Russia when the ban took effect in 2022. The availability of WhatsApp in Russia remains unimpeded but Gorelkin’s statements indicate potential upcoming limitations.
The Kremlin established a directive which will restrict software from “unfriendly” countries that imposed sanctions on Russia starting September 1. The list of restricted communication tools includes WhatsApp.
Meta failed to provide any response to the warning.
The war in Ukraine led Russia to speed up its efforts for replacing Western services with domestic alternatives as global tech firms withdrew from the market. The enforcement of a WhatsApp ban would establish another layer of state control over digital communication.
