Putin orders review of possible restrictions on Telegram and WhatsApp

Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the government to prepare proposals on restricting the use of software from “unfriendly” countries, including messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp.

According to a directive published on the Kremlin’s official website, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin must submit a report by September 1. The move follows the signing of a new law establishing a national messenger, MAX, which will be integrated with state digital services.

Critics such as Mikhail Klimarev from the Internet Protection Society warned that MAX could become a tool for surveillance, as its privacy policy allows data to be shared with state agencies.

Meanwhile, lawmakers have signaled a possible crackdown on foreign platforms. The project "Na Svyazi" reported that access restrictions to Telegram and WhatsApp were tested in Russia.