Against the backdrop of Telegram slowing down, Russians may start switching to domestic platforms, Igor Bederov, an expert in the SafeNet NTI market, told RIA Novosti. Among the possible options, he highlighted Max, VK Messenger, and Yandex Messenger.
If Telegram leaves, Russian platforms will fill the vacuum. … For example, Max is positioned as a "superapp" similar to the Chinese WeChat. It offers not only chats and calls but also integration with "Gosuslugi", a digital ID for identity verification, appointment booking with doctors through verified bots, and the Sferum educational platform.
Bederov noted that it would be easiest for VKontakte users to switch to VK Messenger. The separate application allows users to exchange messages, make calls, send files up to 4 GB, and create group chats. For active users of Yandex services, the eponymous messenger with integration of Drive, Mail, and Calendar, support for audio and video calls with up to 40 participants, channels, and bots is suitable.
For business, the expert advised paying attention to eXpress, Compass, and Pachka. It is better to spend an hour studying alternatives and exporting contacts today than to find yourself in an "information vacuum" tomorrow, Bederov believes.
Roskomnadzor previously stated that it would continue to impose restrictions on Telegram until the service complies with the requirements of Russian legislation. As the agency reminded, gradual sanctions are provided for platforms that systematically violate the law, which can be lifted after the violations are eliminated. Telegram, however, has not yet done so.
Read more materials on the topic:
- Telegram will continue to operate in Russia if legislation is respected, the State Duma said
- Senators in Russia are not abandoning Telegram and are actively gaining subscribers
- Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation: Communication of military personnel at the front is not provided through Telegram
