**Russia’s State Duma Passes Bill to Create “National Messenger”**
In a move aimed at reducing its dependency on foreign messaging apps, Russia’s State Duma has passed a bill to create a new national messenger. The lower chamber of parliament approved the bill on June 10, as reported by their press service.
The new app, dubbed the “national messenger,” is designed to combine the features of a traditional messaging platform with government services. According to the bill, this integrated system will increase the availability of governmental services and strengthen the protection of information exchanged among users. The Russian government aims to reduce citizens’ access to foreign messengers like WhatsApp and Telegram.
The new online platform will be integrated into Russian state and municipal databases. Users can transfer private information with their consent, particularly for identification purposes, signing contracts, or paying for services. Documents submitted through the “national messenger” will be considered equivalent to paper originals, allowing users to certify documents with electronic signatures.
**A Move to Reduce Foreign Influence**
This bill comes as Russia continues its efforts to reduce citizens’ access to foreign online services. In March 2022, the Russian government blocked Facebook and Instagram, two years later blocking Viber and Signal apps. The Russian government is also considering blocking WhatsApp, an app owned by Meta, which has been labeled as an “extremist organization” in Russia.
In July 2024, Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, began throttling YouTube speeds, initially blaming technical issues caused by wear and tear on Google’s servers. This move has been met with skepticism, with many accusing the Russian government of intentionally slowing down the platform to limit access.
**A New Era for Online Services in Russia?**
The creation of a national messenger marks a significant shift towards increasing domestic online services in Russia. The Russian government will choose a company to develop the application, which will include all educational services and chats used by educational institutions at various levels. As this new platform takes shape, it’s essential to consider the implications for users’ data protection and the role of foreign companies in providing online services.
**The Impact on Independent Journalism**
This development also raises concerns about the impact on independent journalism, particularly given the recent blocking of YouTube speeds. Reliable information should be available to all, without restrictions or throttling. The Russian government’s moves to reduce access to foreign online services can have far-reaching consequences for the dissemination of accurate and unbiased news.
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