WhatsApp is preparing to exit the Russian market, according to State Duma deputy Anton Gorelkin, who oversees the IT sector.
This is reported by Reuters.
The reason for this is the introduction of a new feature in the app that could be considered a violation of local legislation, potentially leading to the messenger being added to a list of prohibited software.
"WhatsApp needs to prepare for leaving the Russian market," Gorelkin stated, adding that the parent company Meta is recognized as an extremist organization in Russia.
Gorelkin believes that the state app MAX could capture market share if WhatsApp is blocked, noting that 68% of Russians use the Meta messenger daily.
This week the Kremlin released new directives from President Putin, which include restrictions on software from "unfriendly countries," including communication platforms. The deadline for compliance is September 1.
Gorelkin added that the Telegram platform, created by Russian Pavel Durov, is likely to avoid being blocked if it complies with legal requirements. According to Roskomnadzor, Telegram has already begun the process of registering as a Russian legal entity.
