Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a bill authorising the creation of a state-controlled messaging application, marking a significant step in the country’s effort to reduce reliance on foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram.

The new law, signed on Tuesday, mandates the development of a government-backed app that will be integrated with public services, offering communication features alongside access to official state functions. The Kremlin says the move is part of its long-term strategy to achieve what it calls “digital sovereignty.”

Russia’s push for homegrown digital platforms has accelerated since the country’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which prompted an exodus of Western tech firms and deepened its isolation from global digital infrastructure.

Supporters of the new app claim it will offer capabilities not currently available on popular messaging platforms like Telegram or Meta-owned WhatsApp. However, critics warn that the app’s state control could severely compromise user privacy and digital freedoms.

“This isn’t just about technology—it’s about surveillance,” said Mikhail Klimarev, director of the Internet Protection Society, a Russian digital rights group. He noted that authorities could deliberately throttle the speed of existing apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to push users toward the state alternative.

The rollout of the app is expected to be closely monitored by rights organisations and global observers amid growing concerns over the tightening grip of the Russian state on digital communication.