Post #4095

As an argument for blocking Telegram and forcing Russians to switch to another app, some sometimes cite the example of China and its messenger WeChat. But this comparison is flawed. WeChat was not designated a "national messenger" and was not imposed on people. It became the absolute leader in the free competitive struggle of the early 2010s by offering Chinese users the best service from dozens of contenders (among which were international messengers like WhatsApp, which were available without restrictions in those years). Only after WeChat organically won over the majority of the audience did the state begin to integrate its services into it. Similarly, the main messengers in Korea and Japan (more than 90% of the market) became KakaoTalk and LINE - also without blocking foreign competitors and without administrative support. That is, Russia's attempt to dictatorially impose a service on the population has no successful examples in global practice. There are only three leading local messengers in their markets worldwide, and all of them are the result of market competition, not official appointments. Competition is the driving force of innovation. Its elimination will only reduce the quality of life and the safety of people's communication. ©@durov_russia/65 (🅰)