Russia’s approach to foreign messaging applications is evolving, as indicated by a recent statement from a high-ranking Kremlin official. Amid ongoing efforts to cultivate a local competitor to Telegram, one of the most favored messaging platforms among Russian speakers, the deputy head of President Putin’s administration, Maxim Oreshkin, has made it clear that there are no intentions to ban foreign messengers.
Comply with Russian rules and you are safe, Kremlin official tells messengers
During a youth educational forum titled “Territory of Meanings,” Oreshkin articulated that foreign messaging services will not face restrictions as long as they adhere to Russian legislation. He elaborated on the existing requirements for messengers, which include registration and measures to prevent fraud and other telecommunications-related crimes. Oreshkin stated:
“If these services – whether Russian or foreign – comply with those requirements, nothing will happen to them. It’s clear that the authorities have no desire to ban everything indiscriminately, as that would lead to negative consequences.”
Oreshkin also highlighted Russia’s initiative to develop a domestic messaging application that could resonate with its citizens. He referred to the Max messenger, developed by VK, the nation’s leading social media platform, previously known as Vkontakte. This platform is set to serve as the foundation for the new Russian messaging app, following a law signed by Vladimir Putin in June.
He emphasized that Max could integrate closely with Russia’s banking system, a feature that international messengers may struggle to provide due to security concerns, including the potential for user fund theft. Oreshkin asserted:
“Thanks to these additional features, a Russian service like this should naturally win out in a competitive marketplace.”
Encouraging entrepreneurs, Oreshkin urged them to leverage available tools swiftly, noting that the first to offer a more user-friendly service would gain a significant competitive advantage.
No ban promise comes after reports Telegram is opening office in Russia
Oreshkin’s assurance against banning foreign messengers comes in the wake of reports suggesting that Telegram is taking steps to align with Russian regulations. Recent media coverage indicated that Telegram had filed for registration with Roskomnadzor, Russia’s telecom watchdog, which is seen as a crucial step for foreign messaging providers to establish a local presence.
Following these reports, Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, took to his channel to address the situation, which many interpreted as a denial of the claims. However, he has also dismissed rumors of Telegram exiting the Russian market, labeling them as part of a targeted disinformation campaign against the platform.
Durov, who left Russia in 2013 amid conflicts with VK’s new owners and increasing governmental pressure, has consistently maintained that he has no dealings with the current administration. His complex relationship with governmental authorities has been a recurring theme in discussions surrounding Telegram’s operations in Russia.
Russia is not planning to ban foreign messaging apps, provided they comply with Russian law | Tech Regulation
Russia’s approach to foreign messaging applications is evolving, as indicated by a recent statement from a high-ranking Kremlin official. Amid ongoing efforts to cultivate a local competitor to Telegram, one of the most favored messaging platforms among Russian speakers, the deputy head of President Putin’s administration, Maxim Oreshkin, has made it clear that there are no intentions to ban foreign messengers.
Comply with Russian rules and you are safe, Kremlin official tells messengers
During a youth educational forum titled “Territory of Meanings,” Oreshkin articulated that foreign messaging services will not face restrictions as long as they adhere to Russian legislation. He elaborated on the existing requirements for messengers, which include registration and measures to prevent fraud and other telecommunications-related crimes. Oreshkin stated:
Oreshkin also highlighted Russia’s initiative to develop a domestic messaging application that could resonate with its citizens. He referred to the Max messenger, developed by VK, the nation’s leading social media platform, previously known as Vkontakte. This platform is set to serve as the foundation for the new Russian messaging app, following a law signed by Vladimir Putin in June.
He emphasized that Max could integrate closely with Russia’s banking system, a feature that international messengers may struggle to provide due to security concerns, including the potential for user fund theft. Oreshkin asserted:
Encouraging entrepreneurs, Oreshkin urged them to leverage available tools swiftly, noting that the first to offer a more user-friendly service would gain a significant competitive advantage.
No ban promise comes after reports Telegram is opening office in Russia
Oreshkin’s assurance against banning foreign messengers comes in the wake of reports suggesting that Telegram is taking steps to align with Russian regulations. Recent media coverage indicated that Telegram had filed for registration with Roskomnadzor, Russia’s telecom watchdog, which is seen as a crucial step for foreign messaging providers to establish a local presence.
Following these reports, Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, took to his channel to address the situation, which many interpreted as a denial of the claims. However, he has also dismissed rumors of Telegram exiting the Russian market, labeling them as part of a targeted disinformation campaign against the platform.
Durov, who left Russia in 2013 amid conflicts with VK’s new owners and increasing governmental pressure, has consistently maintained that he has no dealings with the current administration. His complex relationship with governmental authorities has been a recurring theme in discussions surrounding Telegram’s operations in Russia.