Fact Check: Russia may slow WhatsApp and Telegram speeds to push users to new app.

Fact Check: "Russia may slow WhatsApp and Telegram speeds to push users to new app."

What We Know

On June 10, 2025, the Russian Parliament passed a law authorizing the development of a state-backed messaging app intended to rival popular platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Russian government to establish "digital sovereignty" and reduce reliance on foreign technology, particularly following the withdrawal of several Western companies from the Russian market after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 (Reuters, Forbes).

Mikhail Klimarev, the director of the Internet Protection Society, a Russian digital rights group, has publicly stated that he expects the Russian government to intentionally slow the speeds of WhatsApp and Telegram to encourage users to transition to the new state-run app (Reuters, Hindustan Times). The proposed app will integrate various government services and is expected to be pre-installed on new smartphones sold in Russia, making it mandatory for public institutions (TASS, Forbes).

Analysis

The claim that Russia may slow the speeds of WhatsApp and Telegram to push users toward a new state messaging app is supported by statements from credible sources. Klimarev's assertion about the potential throttling of these services is reported across multiple outlets, including Reuters and Hindustan Times.

The reliability of these sources is generally high, as they are established news organizations with a history of covering international affairs and technology. However, it is important to note that the exact mechanisms by which the Russian government might implement such speed reductions are not detailed in the reports. The suggestion that the state may block or limit access to foreign platforms is also echoed in various articles, indicating a concerted effort to promote the new app (Forbes, Global Voices).

Critics of the initiative express concerns about privacy and state control over communication, which adds a layer of skepticism regarding the government's intentions. The potential for the state to manipulate internet speeds to favor its own services raises ethical questions about user choice and freedom (Forbes, Hindustan Times).

Conclusion

The claim that Russia may slow the speeds of WhatsApp and Telegram to encourage users to adopt a new state messaging app is True. This conclusion is based on credible reports from multiple sources that outline the Russian government's plans and the expectations of experts regarding the throttling of competing services. The initiative appears to be part of a broader strategy to enhance state control over digital communication in Russia.

Fact Check: Russia may slow WhatsApp and Telegram speeds to push users to new app.