Russia says out with WhatsApp and Telegram, will create its own state-run messaging app

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday signed a new law authorizing the development of a state-backed messaging app to rival WhatsApp and Telegram.

The new yet-to-be-named app will be integrated with government services – all so Moscow can reduce its citizens’ dependence on encrypted messaging platforms like Meta's WhatsApp and the Russian-born Telegram app – allegedly due to security concerns.

According to the Russian News Agency TASS, the app will be developed by the Digital Development Ministry using domestic software and is expected to handle more than 500,000 users on a daily basis.

Users will not only be able to send messages and make phone calls, but also electronically sign official documents, access other state documents, including passports and student ID cards, and even serve as a communication platform for students and teachers at schools and colleges, Moscow said.

The all-in-one app will be available in the Russian language and other official languages of the Federation, TASS reported.

Putin, who has long sought to establish digital sovereignty by promoting home-grown services, has pushed to replace foreign tech platforms. This became more urgent as several Western companies pulled out of the Russian market following the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Reuters said.

Expected to have different functionality than Telegram and WhatsApp, the Turkish media outlet Andalu Agency reports the app will most likely "resemble China's WeChat, and may be based on the Max app developed by the Russian company, VK.”

Still, critics say the fact that Russia will exercise state control over it poses risks to privacy and personal freedoms.

"Russians will now be actively herded into a new, patriotic messenger so that Comrade Major can work more easily and efficiently," X user @Russians_Life posted after first hearing rumors about the state-run endeavor last week.

Россиян теперь будут активно загонять в новый, скрепный мессенджер, чтобы товарищу майору было проще и легче работать. pic.twitter.com/pkKOmBSsEq

undefined Жизнь в России (@Russians_Life) June 12, 2025

Mikhail Klimarev, director of the Internet Protection Society, a Russian digital rights group, said earlier this month he expected Russia to slow the speeds of WhatsApp and Telegram to encourage people to switch over to the new app.

Lawmakers say the national messaging app will be pre-installed on new smartphones sold in Russia and made mandatory for operations at all public institutions.