The Russian Federation signaled that it may set a September 1st deadline for the popular instant messaging platform WhatsApp as part of its digital sovereignty initiatives targeting foreign messaging apps. The domestic platform Max, developed under a law approved by President Vladimir Putin, is intended to replace WhatsApp, or Telegram.

WhatsApp May Withdraw from Russia

Anton Gorelkin, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Parliament’s Information Technology Committee, stated, “It’s time for WhatsApp to prepare for its withdrawal from Russia,” emphasizing the government’s resolve. Gorelkin stated that if WhatsApp were to withdraw from the market, the state-backed domestic platform would become more prevalent.

This development is seen as part of Russia’s broader plans to ban software platforms from countries it identifies as anti-Russian. WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, was placed on Russia’s extremist organization list in 2022, but the ban did not apply to WhatsApp at the time. The government’s recent steps are a continuation of its strategy to achieve full digital independence, particularly following international restrictions imposed following the Ukraine war.