Lawmaker warns WhatsApp to prepare for potential exit as Russia eyes dependence on native apps

In a fresh blow to foreign tech platforms operating in Russia, a senior Russian lawmaker has said that Meta-owned WhatsApp should brace itself to exit the country, as it is likely to be placed on a list of restricted software in the near future.

Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the State Duma’s information policy committee, made the remarks on his official Telegram channel on Friday. He cited the Russian government’s ongoing efforts to promote digital sovereignty and reduce reliance on platforms developed in so-called “unfriendly countries”, a term…