On Friday, a Russian lawmaker who oversees the country’s information technology sector urged WhatsApp to prepare to leave the Russian market, asserting that the messaging app poses a threat to national security. Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the lower house of parliament’s information technology committee, claimed that MAX, a government-backed messaging platform, could capture market share if WhatsApp were to exit Russia. The lawmakers cited the designation of Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, as an extremist organization, thereby justifying the potential restrictions on the app’s operations within the country.
The move aligns with a broader legislative strategy initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who recently signed a law enabling the development of MAX. This initiative forms part of Russia’s effort to reduce its dependence on foreign platforms and promote digital sovereignty. Critics argue that the restrictions on foreign services, including WhatsApp and Telegram, could stifle free speech and lead to the creation of a state-controlled surveillance environment. The potential introduction of MAX, a messaging app closely tied to the Russian government, has raised concerns about user privacy and the extent of state oversight in communication channels.
Prior to these developments, Facebook and Instagram, both subsidiaries of Meta, had already been banned in Russia since 2022 following the country’s invasion of Ukraine. The recent legislative changes include fines of up to 5,000 rubles for individuals who access materials considered extremist, a broader definition that could encompass opposition figures and activists. Margarita Simonyan, a state media executive, has criticized the legislation, arguing that it would impede the ability of journalists to investigate opposition groups like the Anti-Corruption Fund, founded by the late Alexei Navalny.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated that all services must adhere to Russian law, but has not yet confirmed whether WhatsApp would be among those facing restrictions. The situation highlights Russia’s ongoing efforts to control its digital landscape and assert dominance over communication services. This includes potential measures like slowing internet speeds to make foreign platforms less accessible and encouraging the use of state-backed alternatives. Russian lawmakers have also noted that the presence of such services could be viewed as a legal breach, further reinforcing the push for a more controlled digital ecosystem.
The legislative and regulatory actions reflect a growing trend in Russia’s approach to digital sovereignty, where the government seeks to limit foreign influence and prioritize domestic technological solutions. While the exact fate of WhatsApp remains uncertain, the broader implications are clear: the Russian government is increasingly willing to take measures to reshape its digital environment, even at the cost of restricting access to global platforms. This shift signals a deeper commitment to the development of homegrown digital services and the establishment of a more tightly regulated online space.