Putin’s new law could force WhatsApp out of Russian market, warns lawmaker

A senior lawmaker in Russia has raised concerns that WhatsApp, owned by Meta, may soon be forced to withdraw from the Russian market. Anton Gorelkin, who serves as the deputy head of the State Duma’s information policy committee, shared this warning on his Telegram channel, indicating that the messaging app could soon be listed among restricted software. This development aligns with the Russian government's ongoing initiative to enhance digital sovereignty and reduce reliance on foreign platforms, particularly those from countries deemed 'unfriendly.' This label applies to nations that have imposed sanctions on Russia following its military actions in Ukraine. Gorelkin stated, "It’s time for WhatsApp to prepare to leave the Russian market," hinting that the push for domestic alternatives could lead to a wider exit of Western digital services. The lawmaker's remarks come in the wake of President Vladimir Putin's recent endorsement of legislation designed to establish a government-supported messaging service, which aims to integrate with state services. This move is part of a broader Kremlin strategy to encourage the use of Russian-made digital solutions and limit the public's dependency on foreign applications. Since 2022, Meta Platforms, which also operates Facebook and Instagram, has faced significant restrictions in Russia, culminating in a court ruling that designated the company as an 'extremist organization.' While WhatsApp has not yet been subjected to similar measures, its status in Russia is becoming increasingly precarious. Recently, the Kremlin issued directives aimed at restricting software and communication tools from 'unfriendly' companies, with a compliance deadline set for September 1. Although WhatsApp was not specifically mentioned in this directive, Gorelkin indicated that its inclusion on the restricted list is highly probable. As Russia intensifies its campaign to substitute foreign platforms with homegrown alternatives, this potential move against WhatsApp underscores the increasing challenges faced by foreign tech companies operating within the country.