Whatsapp and Telegram are going to be banned in this country this new app will be launched for chatting
Whatsapp ban: If you use WhatsApp or Telegram and travel international, then this big news from Russia can be important for you. Russia is now preparing to ban these foreign messaging apps and is going to launch a new government app instead, named Vlad’s app. This app is named after President Vladimir Putin and its aim is to create a strong communication system with a ‘digital sovereignty’ within the country. It has been approved by Russia’s Parliament (State Duma) and now the President’s approval remains.
What is Vlad’s app?
The Vlad’s app will not be limited to chatting just. It will be fully connected to the digital services of the country. With this app, users will be able to sign the agreement, make online payment, reach educational portals and will also be able to take advantage of other government services, that too (according to the government) with their consent.
Digital Development Minister Maxut Shadayev says that launching such a domestic and safe option is today Russia’s national priority. They believe that other countries have overtaken Russia in this direction and now it is necessary to compensate for it.
Why whatsapp and telegram will be removed?
Russian MP Sergei Boyski has said that this step is being taken as an alternative to foreign, unsafe apps. This can be the final and decisive step of Russia’s digital self -reliance campaign which has intensified due to increased cyber tension and restrictions from western countries over the years.
If the government completely blocks these foreign apps, then crores of Russian users will have to use Vlad’s app in compulsion. This can make Russia’s digital environment more closed and controlled like China.
Russia’s internet is separated from the world
The Vlad’s app will be only for the citizens of Russia. International users will not be allowed to use it. This will make Russia’s Internet more different from the global network. While the government is describing this app as safe and consent-based, advocates of digital rights are considering it as another medium of monitoring and censorship of the state. Critics believe that this will increase the monitoring of private interactions of citizens in Russia and limited access to independent ideas.
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