Russia's Fate with WhatsApp: National Security Threat and State-Backed App

Russian lawmaker Anton Nemkin warns that WhatsApp poses a threat to national security and its fate is already decided. The comment comes after President Vladimir Putin signed a law authorizing the development of a state-backed messaging app to reduce dependence on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. WhatsApp is reportedly preparing to leave the Russian market.

Russian lawmakers have expressed concerns over WhatsApp's presence in the country, labeling it a threat to national security. Deputy head of the lower house of parliament's information technology committee, Anton Gorelkin, has warned that WhatsApp should prepare to leave the Russian market. This comes after President Vladimir Putin signed a law authorizing the development of a state-backed messaging app to reduce dependence on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram [1].

Gorelkin stated, "It's time for WhatsApp to prepare to leave the Russian market," adding that Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, is designated as an extremist organization in Russia. The comment follows the ban of Facebook and Instagram in Russia since 2022, after Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine [1].

Anton Nemkin, another member of the parliament's IT committee, echoed Gorelkin's sentiments, saying, "The presence of such a service in Russia's digital space is, in fact, a legal breach of national security" [2]. The Kremlin has also indicated that all services must follow Russian law, including communication services produced in "unfriendly countries" that have imposed sanctions against Russia [1].

The development is part of Russia's broader strategy to achieve "digital sovereignty" by promoting homegrown services. The state-controlled technology company VK, which is developing a rival to YouTube, saw its shares grow by 1.9% on Friday [1]. The Kremlin has set a deadline of September 1 for full implementation of restrictions on foreign-made software [1].

WhatsApp remains widely used in Russia, with around 68% of the population using it for daily communication [2]. Despite previous threats to block the app, it has continued to operate. However, the latest warnings suggest that the app's fate may be sealed, especially given the broader context of Russia's push to reduce reliance on foreign technology [3].

References:
[1] https://www.foxnews.com/world/russian-lawmakers-claim-whatsapp-national-security-threat-should-prepare-leave-country
[2] https://www.reuters.com/business/russian-lawmakers-say-security-threat-whatsapp-should-prepare-leave-russia-2025-07-18/
[3] https://thetechportal.com/2025/07/18/russia-threatens-to-ban-whatsapp-again-lawmakers-label-the-app-a-security-threat-report/