The Russian State Duma has recently approved a bill aimed at establishing a state messaging application, a move that coincides with ongoing discussions about potentially blocking popular messaging platforms such as WhatsApp. This new initiative is framed as a means to enhance the accessibility of government services while simultaneously bolstering the security of information exchanged among users.
Features of the New Messaging App
According to the Duma’s press service, the proposed application is designed to merge traditional messaging functionalities with essential government services. Key features of the app include:
- Integration with state and municipal databases, allowing for the seamless transfer of private information with user consent.
- Capabilities for identification, contract signing, and payment processing for services and goods.
- Documents submitted through the app will hold the same legal weight as their paper counterparts, with options for electronic signature certification.
- Inclusion of educational services and communication tools utilized by educational institutions across various levels.
The Russian government is set to select a company responsible for the app’s development, which is expected to play a pivotal role in the digital landscape of state services.
Context of Messaging App Development
This legislative move comes in the wake of previous actions taken by the Russian government to restrict access to foreign social media platforms. In March 2022, Facebook and Instagram were blocked, followed by the prohibition of Viber and Signal in 2024. The communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, has also indicated that WhatsApp may face similar restrictions, as the app is owned by Meta, a company designated as an “extremist organization” in Russia.
In addition to these developments, Roskomnadzor has been scrutinizing YouTube, leading to a throttling of its speeds, which the agency initially attributed to technical issues. However, subsequent confirmations from lawmakers suggested that these slowdowns were intentional, further illustrating the government’s tightening grip on digital communication channels.
