The Russian State Duma has unanimously approved a bill to create a “national multifunctional digital service,” envisioned as a secure, domestic alternative to foreign messengers like Telegram and WhatsApp. According to Sergei Boyarsky, head of the IT committee and one of the bill’s authors, the service aims to offer unique features and integrate seamlessly with state information systems.

The primary advantage of the Russian messenger will be its ability to interact with state services, a feature unavailable to foreign platforms due to security and legal considerations. This includes integration with the “State Services” portal, the “Sferum” educational platform, and the potential for financial transactions through cooperating banks.

Boyarsky highlighted the potential for using a digital ID within the messenger, linked to “State Services,” to verify identity for various purposes, such as hotel check-ins or age verification at stores. He emphasized that the use of the messenger will not be mandatory.

Regarding the future of foreign messengers, Boyarsky stated that they will continue to operate in Russia. However, he suggested that regulators may more strictly enforce existing requirements, such as data localization and content moderation, depending on the companies’ willingness to comply with Russian law.

The government is expected to select the developer and platform for the national messenger by July, with VK’s MAX platform currently considered a leading candidate. The law comes into force immediately after approval by the Federation Council and the President’s signature.