WhatsApp should prepare to leave the Russian market

WhatsApp may soon exit the Russian market, according to lawmaker Anton Gorelkin. He indicated that the app could be added to a list of restricted software. President Putin recently signed a law for a state-backed messaging app, MAX, aimed at reducing reliance on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.

Gorelkin stated, "It's time for WhatsApp to prepare to leave the Russian market," as Meta is classified as an extremist organization in Russia. Other officials highlighted WhatsApp as a national security threat due to its foreign ownership.

The Kremlin is pushing for digital sovereignty, promoting local services. Telegram, however, might avoid restrictions by complying with Russian law. Just yesterday, it was reported that Telegram has initiated the legal process to open a representative office in Russia. This decision comes nearly four years after Russia required foreign tech companies to establish a physical presence locally.