Russia will restrict foreign messaging apps on Putin’s order by September 1, 2025.

Russia will restrict foreign messaging apps on Putin’s order by September 1, 2025.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the government to explore additional restrictions on foreign messaging apps by September 1, 2025, according to a directive published on the Kremlin's website. This move follows complaints from business leaders that services like Zoom continue to operate in Russia, resulting in significant losses for domestic developers.

The directive mandates the Russian government to present proposals by September 1, 2025, aimed at imposing further limitations on the use of foreign-made software in Russia, specifically targeting communication platforms. This directive comes amidst ongoing tensions with the U.S. and other Western countries, which have imposed extensive sanctions on Russia since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 [1].

The proposed restrictions include messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram. Russian lawmakers are preparing to ban WhatsApp, citing national security risks and aiming for digital sovereignty. This move follows previous bans on Facebook and Instagram, pushing Russians towards state-backed alternatives like MAX, a messaging app developed by VK. Critics fear increased government control and censorship as Russia restricts foreign software and data sharing [2].

The government plans to launch a national messaging platform, Max, which is expected to resemble China's WeChat. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has already signed an order for its implementation, and a report on its progress is expected to be presented to the president by August 15. Max will be pre-installed on every new smartphone sold in Russia, aiming to replace Telegram and other Western apps as the go-to platform for everything from private messaging to accessing government services [1].

The legislative push to ban WhatsApp aligns with President Vladimir Putin’s directive to restrict software from "unfriendly countries." A Russian government working group is also drafting a law to penalize any company that shares user data with foreign intelligence services—a move aimed at U.S.-based platforms like Meta. While Russian authorities argue that digital independence is essential amidst an unfriendly international environment, critics point out that the moves serve to deepen government control over information [2].

References:
[1] https://asiaplustj.info/en/news/world/20250718/putin-orders-restrictions-on-foreign-messaging-apps
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/whatsapp-in-firing-line-as-russia-prepares-to-hit-back-at-us-with-sanctions-by-banning-metas-messaging-app-aims-to-develop-its-own/articleshow/122776732.cms?from=mdr