Putin greenlights state messaging app to rival WhatsApp, Telegram

Technology Jun 24, 2025

Russia is developing a government-controlled messaging app, aiming to replace popular foreign platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.
President Putin's push comes after Western tech companies pulled out of Russia post-2022, with the new app promising some features you won't find elsewhere.

Concerns about privacy and surveillance

This move means Russian users could soon access official info and handle government tasks right inside the chat app—but it also raises big questions about privacy.
Critics worry about more surveillance and less freedom online, especially since the government might slow down WhatsApp and Telegram to get people to switch.
It's a major step in Russia taking tighter control over its digital world.