logo
Meta-owned WhatsApp could be banned in Russia. Here's why

Meta-owned WhatsApp could be banned in Russia. Here's why

Fast Company18-07-2025
WhatsApp should prepare to leave the Russian market, a lawmaker who regulates the IT sector said on Friday, warning that the messaging app owned by Meta Platforms is very likely to be put on a list of restricted software.
Russian President Vladimir Putin last month signed a law authorising the development of a state-backed messaging app integrated with government services, as Moscow strives to reduce its dependence on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the lower house of parliament's information technology committee, said in a statement on Telegram that the state-backed app, MAX, could gain market share should WhatsApp, used by 68% of Russians each day, leave.
'It's time for WhatsApp to prepare to leave the Russian market,' Gorelkin said, noting that Meta is designated as an extremist organisation in Russia.
The company's Facebook and Instagram social media platforms have been banned in Russia since 2022 when Moscow sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine.
Meta did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT
Anton Nemkin, a member of the parliament's IT committee, said WhatsApp's fate in Russia was predetermined.
'The presence of such a service in Russia's digital space is, in fact, a legal breach of national security,' the TASS news agency quoted Nemkin as saying.
Asked if WhatsApp might leave Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said all services must abide by Russian law.
Russia has long sought to establish what it calls digital sovereignty by promoting home-grown services. Its push to replace foreign tech platforms became more urgent as some Western companies pulled out of the Russian market after 2022.
The Kremlin this week published a list of instructions from Putin, including an order to introduce additional restrictions on the use in Russia of software, including communication services, produced in so-called 'unfriendly countries' that have imposed sanctions against Russia.
Putin gave a deadline of September 1. Gorelkin, referring to Putin's order, said WhatsApp was likely to be among those communication services restricted.
Gorelkin said he expected Telegram, founded by Russian-born Pavel Durov, to avoid being banned, provided it complies with Russian law.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

#BackToSchool Ready: YITAHOME's Must-Have Collection
#BackToSchool Ready: YITAHOME's Must-Have Collection

Yahoo

timea few seconds ago

  • Yahoo

#BackToSchool Ready: YITAHOME's Must-Have Collection

LONDON, July 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- YITAHOME is excited to kick off its #BacktoSchool campaign, unveiling a fresh collection of smart, stylish, and space-saving furniture designed to meet the unique needs of students and families gearing up for the upcoming academic year. Available now on Amazon, this thoughtfully curated collection is all about maximizing space, reducing clutter, and keeping everything organized—without compromising on design or style. Whether it's for a dorm room, apartment, or home office, YITAHOME has the perfect solution for every student's space. 1. YITAHOME Chest of Drawer Grab this YITAHOME Chest for just £56.99 (was £95.00)! Featuring a durable metal frame, MDF top, and eight foldable fabric drawers, it combines modern style with practicality. Easy-pull handles and adjustable feet ensure smooth use and floor protection. Save 40% now. 2. YITAHOME Coat Rack Stand with Shoe Storage This YITAHOME coat rack features eight hooks, a front rail, two enclosed drawers, a top shelf, and a base rack for shoes, delivering efficient storage in a sleek industrial design. Ideal for compact entryways, student flats, or busy households. Now available for £99.99, offering a 29% discount from £139.99, 3. YITAHOME Vanity Table with 3-Color LED Lights Mirror This Vanity Table with a 3-color LED mirror and eleven drawers offers stylish organization for makeup and accessories. Designed for daily convenience and style, it suits students, young professionals, or anyone creating a dedicated beauty space. Now available for £241.99, down from £299.99. 4. YITAHOME Bookcase 5 Tiers Enjoy 31% off this bestselling 5-tier bookcase, now available for £47.99, reduced from the original price of £69.99. Featuring open shelves and a stable structure, it offers versatile storage for books, decor, plants, and more with a clean, modern look. YITAHOME's #BacktoSchool collection is crafted to support students in staying focused and organized. Combining function, comfort, and modern design, the line offers smart solutions for small spaces and active routines. Available exclusively on Amazon, each piece ships directly to homes, dorms, and student housing. Follow YITAHOME for the latest updates with more exclusive Store: YitahomeInstagram: @ @yitahomefurnitureFacebook: Yitahome Amazon About YITAHOMEYITAHOME is a trusted furniture brand known for blending sophisticated design with everyday functionality. With a dedication to quality and customer satisfaction, YITAHOME helps people create stylish, welcoming spaces they're proud to call home. Contact information: Sukie shenxi@ and Elang elangrimbadewata@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

Ukraine anti-corruption chief says his agency faces 'dirty information campaign'
Ukraine anti-corruption chief says his agency faces 'dirty information campaign'

Yahoo

timea few seconds ago

  • Yahoo

Ukraine anti-corruption chief says his agency faces 'dirty information campaign'

By Dan Peleschuk KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine's top anti-corruption investigator said on Friday that he did not expect attempts to derail his agency's work to end, despite an abrupt U-turn by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on curbing their independence that fuelled rare wartime protests. Semen Kryvonos, director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), said he was taken aback by attempts this week to curtail his agency's fight against graft but did not name those who may have been behind the legislation. "Everyone united around the idea of ruining our independence," Kryvonos told Reuters in an interview in Kyiv, referring to parliament passing the controversial measures. "This was a shock for me - how much demand had built up to destroy us." He spoke a day after Zelenskiy sought to defuse tensions by submitting legislation restoring the independence of NABU and its sister agency, the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). Thousands of protesters took part in protests in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities this week after lawmakers fast-tracked a bill granting a Zelenskiy-appointed general prosecutor power over the two bodies. The move had also threatened Kyiv's ties with the European Union and Western donors which have been a critical source of financial and military support during Russia's war in Ukraine. Kryvonos applauded Zelenskiy's reversal, but said NABU and SAPO remain a high-priority target for vested interests aiming to stymie their closely watched efforts to clean up. Parliament will consider Zelenskiy's new bill in a special session next week. But Kryvonos worries corrupt actors will step up a "dirty information campaign" already being waged against NABU on widely read anonymous Telegram channels, casting the agency as slow or ineffective. He did not identify the exact sources of resistance to his agency's work, saying only that they are "various representatives of the government, various financial groups". "Everyone who is offended by NABU and SAPO will be pushing out this message," Kryvonos said. 'SYSTEMIC WORK' AND THREATS Since Russia's February 2022 invasion, Ukraine has stepped up a campaign to eradicate the pervasive graft that has plagued its political culture for decades. Stamping out corruption is both critical to Kyiv's bid to join the EU and its effort to erase a legacy of autocracy and Russian rule. NABU and SAPO, launched with Western support after a 2014 revolution toppled a pro-Russian president, have levelled charges against lawmakers and senior government officials. In recent months, Kryvonos's agency has uncovered huge real estate schemes in the capital Kyiv and accused a then deputy prime minister of taking a $345,000 kickback. Kryvonos suggested such efforts had led to a sweeping crackdown this week that paved the way for the rollback of NABU's and SAPO's powers. Two NABU officials were arrested for suspected ties to Russia and nearly 20 other agency employees searched over lesser alleged infractions in a campaign critics said went too far. "All of this was a result of systemic work by NABU and SAPO, especially over the past half-year," he said, adding that he had also received "a huge amount" of threats. Despite winning a hard-fought victory this week, he said resistance was still widespread enough across the political landscape to pose a serious challenge. He cited the controversial law that had been supported by most of Zelenskiy's political party as well as opposition lawmakers and those associated with former pro-Russian factions. Political elites, Kryvonos said, "need to stop considering us as accept us as an important part of state institutions." Solve the daily Crossword

Alpina's Logo Just Got Slightly Less Cool
Alpina's Logo Just Got Slightly Less Cool

Motor 1

time2 minutes ago

  • Motor 1

Alpina's Logo Just Got Slightly Less Cool

BMW inked a deal to take over Alpina in 2022. The German automaker is beginning to exert that control, recently trademarking a new, flatter, and less exciting logo for the tuning brand. The latest Alpina logo features its first overhaul in over two decades. The most noticeable change is the missing red-and-white shield. The throttle and crankshaft symbols remain, but the filing shows the two components in a simple circle, mimicking BMW's iconic roundel. It's a simplified design, mimicking a trend , in just black and white with a tweaked and taller font. Photo by: Alpina The trademark filing, first discovered by CarBuzz , lists its uses for automobiles, commercial information, and parts and accessories services, so we're likely to see the new branding on more than just future Alpina models. However, it's unclear what those cars will be. When the two brands announced the deal , BMW said Alpina would build modified cars through the end of 2025, begin offering restoration services, and expand its services business. According to the automaker, it's difficult to operate a small firm independently with increasing emissions regulations and safety standards, so acquiring it would allow the Alpina brand to remain on the market. Alpine began operation in 1965, tuning and racing BMW models before building complete vehicles. While vehicle production will cease at its Buchloe facility at the end of the year, Alpina's service, parts, and accessories business will continue at the location, and we hope to see the new badge on a real vehicle soon. Here's What Alpina Builds: The B8 GT Is Alpina's Most Powerful Car Ever Alpina Boosts the BMW 3 Series and 4 Series to 529 HP Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: German Patent and Trademark Office via Car Buzz Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store