Putin Signs Law Allowing Development of State-Backed Messaging App Linked to Government Services
June 24, 20256 ViewsRead Time: 1 minutes
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Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law today, Tuesday, allowing the development of a state-backed messaging app linked to government services, as Moscow seeks to reduce its reliance on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Russia has been working to establish what it calls digital sovereignty by enhancing local services. Its efforts to replace foreign tech platforms have become more urgent as some Western companies withdrew from the Russian market following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Officials say the government app will have features not available on platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp, while critics argue that Russia's control over it poses a threat to privacy and personal freedoms.
Mikhail Klimarev, director of the Russian digital rights organization Internet Protection Society, said earlier this month that Russia is expected to slow down WhatsApp and Telegram to encourage people to switch to the new app.
Russia has been working to establish what it calls digital sovereignty by enhancing local services. Its efforts to replace foreign tech platforms have become more urgent as some Western companies withdrew from the Russian market following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Officials say the government app will have features not available on platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp, while critics argue that Russia's control over it poses a threat to privacy and personal freedoms.
Mikhail Klimarev, director of the Russian digital rights organization Internet Protection Society, said earlier this month that Russia is expected to slow down WhatsApp and Telegram to encourage people to switch to the new app.
