Russia Plans to Launch Homegrown Multipurpose Messenger App Including State Services
Russia's Homegrown Messaging Powerhouse!
Gear up for a game-changer in the digital world - a national messaging platform set to go live in Russia! The platform aims to provide users with smooth access to government services, secure identity verification, educational chats, and advanced digital signature features for electronic contract signing.
This revolutionary move is indicated in proposed amendments to "Personal Data" and "Consumer Protection" laws. The Senators Klishas and Rukavishnikova, along with deputies Boyarsky, Yushchenko, Goryachkin, and others, have put forth a draft law for deliberation on June 10th.
Sergei Boyarsky, head of the State Duma's Information Policy Committee, sheds some light on the upcoming service. It will facilitate the elimination of paper documents and ensure effortless identity verification via digital ID, similar to popular virtual discount cards. Initially, digital ID will enable identification during hotel check-ins, age verification for purchases, and may extend to other documents like diplomas, licenses, and insurance policies. Boyarsky expressed his belief that this will prove instrumental in the future.
In addition to strengthening communication between state and municipal bodies and citizens - previously hindered by the use of foreign messengers - educational chats and services will also migrate to the national platform, integrating with the "Goskey" system for enhanced digital signature usage during transactions. Platform users will receive authentication codes for significant actions, necessitating banks, marketplaces, classifieds, and social networks to align with this system.
Resistance from WhatsApp and Telegram, currently leading the market, doesn't faze Boyarsky. He asserts that these platforms can continue their course, provided they comply strictly with Russian laws, no longer able to neglect them. As per Mediascope data from April 2025, WhatsApp ranks first with 97.4 million monthly active users, closely followed by Telegram with 90.5 million users.
The developer of this platform will be chosen via a government decision, preferably from Russian companies fulfilling specific criteria: they must possess a multi-functional information exchange service with a daily audience of over 0.5 million and distribute their programs through pre-installation on smartphones, tablets, and televisions. The approved government list includes "Yandex" and VK.
However, both companies declined to comment, with reports suggesting that "Yandex" isn't developing such a service. Meanwhile, VK is reported to be launching the beta version of the digital platform "Max" with a messenger, applications, and payment system. Experts estimate the cost of such a venture to be between 1 and 2 billion rubles.
These developments provoke concerns among industry experts and insiders. The new law proposes mandatory pre-installation of a multi-functional information exchange service, raising technical concerns regarding its stability, compatibility with devices, and implementation process. Anton Guskov, a representative of RATEK, also highlights the importance of considering parallel import channels and the implications of the mandatory pre-installation of this multi-functional service.
A source within the Ministry of Digital Development draws parallels between the draft law on a national messenger and the initiative of introducing digital passports on "Gosuslugi," proposed by the Ministry in 2023. Although an advocate for digital self-sufficiency, the source expresses apprehension about the notion of a national messenger as it may commercially benefit the state.
According to Herman Klimenko, a key player in Russia's digital economy, the multifunctional information exchange service will not mirror "Gosuslugi" but merely complement it, providing easier access to government services inside a messenger environment. Klimenko believes this development will not mark the creation of a new service but rather a rebranding and upgrading of existing projects, such as the messenger Mах and other undisclosed ventures.
The cost of such development remains undecided, but a potential candidate like VK might find it an affordable endeavor, considering their existing platforms like ICQ and TamTam. The primary financial burdens will stem from employee salaries and hardware procurement expenses.
In this context, technology plays a significant role as the national messaging platform is designed to integrate with the "Goskey" system for electronic contract signing, providing advanced digital signature features.
Moreover, finance is involved due to the estimated cost of such a venture, with industry experts estimating it to be between 1 and 2 billion rubles, and the potential financial burdens from employee salaries and hardware procurement expenses.
