Russia’s government is backing a new messaging app to reduce its reliance on WhatsApp and Telegram. This app will integrate with various government services, offering a range of features similar to those found on Telegram and WhatsApp.
The push for a homegrown app is part of Russia’s efforts to establish “digital sovereignty” by promoting locally developed online services. This initiative has gained momentum since several Western companies withdrew from Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
According to Anton Gorelkin, the deputy head of Russia’s parliamentary committee on information policy, the new app will have messaging and voice call capabilities, as well as other features found on popular messaging platforms. Gorelkin believes the app’s main advantage will be its tight integration with government services.
For the new app to become a reality, the legislation still needs to be approved by Russia’s upper house of parliament before it can be presented to President Vladimir Putin for enactment. Recently, Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev proposed a plan to integrate government services with the new app during a meeting with President Putin.
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