WhatsApp Faces Exit from the Russian Market

Deputy Anton Gorelkin announced that WhatsApp may be forced to leave the Russian market due to new legislative measures.

This information is reported by Reuters.

The primary reason for this potential exit is the introduction of a new feature in the app, which could be deemed a violation of local laws, potentially leading to the app being banned.

Gorelkin emphasized that WhatsApp needs to prepare for its exit since its parent company, Meta, is classified as an extremist organization in Russia.

He also pointed out that the state messaging app MAX could capture market share if WhatsApp is blocked, as 68% of Russians use this app daily.

This week, the Kremlin released new directives from Putin regarding restrictions on software from "unfriendly countries," including communication platforms. The deadline for compliance is September 1.

Gorelkin added that Telegram, created by Russian Pavel Durov, is likely to avoid blocking if it complies with legal requirements. According to Roskomnadzor, Telegram has already begun the process of registering a legal entity in Russia.