WhatsApp is likely preparing to exit the Russian market, stated Anton Gorelkin, a deputy in the State Duma overseeing the IT sector.

This is reported by Reuters.

The reason is a new feature in the app that could be classified as a violation of legislation, potentially leading to the messenger being added to a list of banned software.

Gorelkin remarked, "WhatsApp needs to prepare for leaving the Russian market," adding that the messenger's parent company, Meta, is recognized as an extremist organization in Russia.

According to Gorelkin, the state app MAX could capture market share if WhatsApp is blocked. He noted that 68% of Russians use Meta's messenger daily.

This week, the Kremlin released new directives from Putin that prescribe restrictions on software from "unfriendly countries," including communication platforms. The deadline is September 1.

Gorelkin added that the Telegram platform, created by Russian Pavel Durov, is likely to avoid blocking if it complies with legal requirements. According to Roskomnadzor, Telegram has already initiated the process of registering a Russian legal entity.