amynicole – A senior Russian official has warned that Russia may ban WhatsApp under new regulations targeting foreign technology. Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the State Duma’s IT committee, urged WhatsApp to start preparing for a shutdown in Russia. He also stated that authorities will likely add the app to the growing list of restricted foreign software.
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Russian authorities are actively working to limit the influence of tech companies from countries they consider “unfriendly,” especially in critical communication sectors. In 2022, they designated WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, as an extremist organization and banned Facebook and Instagram following the invasion of Ukraine. Gorelkin’s warning supports President Vladimir Putin’s recent directive to impose stricter controls on foreign software. Aiming to promote domestic alternatives and strengthen digital sovereignty amid rising geopolitical tensions and increasing sanctions from Western nations.
Under the new policy, apps and platforms from countries that have imposed sanctions on Russia may be restricted starting September 1. Communication apps are among the targeted software categories. WhatsApp, widely used in Russia, could be one of the first affected.
The move is part of a broader strategy by the Kremlin to reduce reliance on foreign digital tools. The government has encouraged the development of domestic alternatives, especially in communication and data infrastructure, to reinforce national sovereignty in the tech sector.
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In June, President Putin signed a law mandating the development of a state-supported messaging platform. This app is designed to integrate with government services, providing citizens with secure and centrally managed digital communication. The law reflects a broader initiative to shift both government and public use away from foreign technologies.
Russian officials have long expressed concern about data privacy, foreign surveillance, and the potential misuse of user information by companies outside of Russia. Forcing WhatsApp to exit the Russian market could open the door for the new government-backed platform to gain users quickly. Gorelkin indicated that reducing competition from foreign services would help the domestic app expand.
Many global tech firms either exited the Russian market or limited operations after 2022, following sanctions imposed by Western nations. The government has responded by building local alternatives and tightening regulations on digital infrastructure. WhatsApp’s popularity and wide usage across Russian society make its possible removal significant, but consistent with the country’s broader push for digital independence.
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With the September 1 deadline approaching, WhatsApp and other foreign platforms may soon face formal restrictions. The next few months will likely bring further developments as Russia reshapes its digital ecosystem under national security priorities.
