WhatsApp and Telegram stand as titans in the realm of secure messaging applications, each boasting over a billion users. Their dominance is somewhat paradoxical; Telegram, while popular, does not have a reputation for robust security, and WhatsApp is under the umbrella of Meta, a company currently grappling with renewed scrutiny over its tracking practices.
Emerging Competition
As these two platforms continue to reign, they now find themselves watching closely the developments surrounding Elon Musk’s X-Chat, which, like Telegram, raises questions about its security measures. However, a new contender has emerged on the scene, albeit one that may not be accessible or appealing to many users. Enter VladsApp, a state-controlled messaging application birthed from the corridors of Russian power.
Recently, Russian lawmakers have greenlit the development of this messaging app, which aims to serve as the nation’s alternative to established platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram. Initial reports of this approval surfaced in Turkish media last month, and subsequent confirmation has come from Reuters.
Sergei Boyarsky, the head of the Duma’s Committee on Information Policy, heralded this initiative as a “secure, multifunctional alternative,” asserting that it would help “close the last gap in our digital security” by replacing what he termed “unsafe foreign messengers.”
State-Controlled Infrastructure
The forthcoming messaging application will operate on infrastructure controlled by the state, raising concerns about potential restrictions on foreign messaging services to encourage users to adopt this new platform. Ironically, this move coincides with ongoing allegations that Telegram’s ecosystem may have been compromised by Russia’s FSB, claims that Telegram has denied.
According to Reuters, Boyarsky’s deputy, Anton Gorelkin, emphasized that the app’s primary competitive edge would lie in its seamless integration with government services. This statement leaves little room for ambiguity regarding the app’s intended purpose.
As reported, the draft legislation must navigate through the upper house of parliament and receive President Vladimir Putin’s signature to become law. Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev recently proposed the integration of government services with a national messaging app, highlighting Russia’s perceived deficiencies in this domain compared to other nations.
Integration with Government Services
The new application is expected to be interconnected with Russian state and municipal databases, allowing for the transfer of personal information with user consent. This functionality could facilitate processes such as identification, contract signing, and payment for services or goods. Additionally, it may serve educational purposes, further embedding it into the fabric of daily life.
For users of WhatsApp and Telegram outside of Russia, the introduction of this state-controlled app may come as a relief; access to VladsApp is unlikely. However, for those within Russia, the landscape may shift dramatically, as there are indications that the state might eventually restrict access to foreign platforms, steering users toward its own messaging solution.
