Putin signs law for state-controlled messaging app to replace WhatsApp, Telegram in Russia
Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday signed into law a measure for development of a government-backed messaging application which will be designed to integrate with official state services.
Under Russia’s digital strategy, the country is putting efforts to build and mandate home-grown alternatives to widely used apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram following the war in Ukraine in 2022, which had led to the withdrawal or curtailing of services by many Western technology firms.
While supporters of the new platform argue it will offer features beyond those available in current messaging apps, particularly through its integration with state administrative functions, digital rights advocates have voiced concern that government oversight of the app could endanger user privacy and undermine free expression.
Mikhail Klimarev, director of the Internet Protection Society, a Russian digital rights organisation, warned earlier this month that authorities may deliberately throttle the speed of foreign messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram to compel users to migrate to the new government-run platform.
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Nation was under Emergency when Vande Mataram completed 100 years: PM Modi in LS
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lamented that when national song Vande Mataram completed 100 years, the Constitution was "throttled" and nation chained by Emergency.
Initiating a discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram in the Lok Sabha, Modi noted that when Vande Mataram completed 50 years, India was reeling under colonialism.
"When Vande Mataram completed 50 years, country was under colonial rule while at its 100th anniversary the nation was under Emergency," he said.
The prime minister noted that the mantra of Vande Mataram gave power and inspiration to the entire country during freedom struggle
"The mantra energised and inspired India’s freedom movement and showed the path of courage and determination. Remembering that sacred Vande Mataram today is a great privilege for all of us in this House.
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"It is a matter of pride for us that we are witnessing the historic occasion of Vande Mataram completing 150 years," he said.
"When Vande Mataram completed 100 years, the nation was chained by the Emergency. At that time, the Constitution was throttled and those who lived and died for patriotism were pushed behind prison bars. The Emergency was a dark chapter in our history. Now we have the opportunity to restore the greatness of Vande Mataram. And I believe this opportunity should not be allowed to pass," Modi said.
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