Lawmaker warns WhatsApp to prepare for potential exit as Russia eyes dependence on native apps

In a fresh blow to foreign tech platforms operating in Russia, a senior Russian lawmaker has said that Meta-owned WhatsApp should brace itself to exit the country, as it is likely to be placed on a list of restricted software in the near future.

Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the State Duma’s information policy committee, made the remarks on his official Telegram channel on Friday.