Russian lawmaker ‘warns’ WhatsApp: ‘It’s time for WhatsApp to…’

A Russian lawmaker has said that WhatsApp should prepare to leave the Russian market, indicating that the Meta Platforms-owned messaging app is likely to be added to a list of restricted software in the country. This warning follows Russia President Vladimir Putin’s recent signing of a law that authorises the development of a state-backed messaging app, MAX. This app is designed to integrate with government services and Russia is said to be actively working to reduce its reliance on foreign platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.

“It’s time for WhatsApp to prepare to leave the Russian market,” said Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the lower house of parliament’s information technology committee, adding that Meta is designated as an extremist organisation in Russia, news agency Reuters reported.