Russia based tech entrepreneurs is set to launch a replacement application - Rossgram, which is slated for launch on March 28.

Figure 1. Russian state communications regulator Roskomnadzor blocked access to Instagram.

The official website of Rossgram listed certain additional features in the new service, such as crowdfunding and paid access for some content. According to snips shared by Rossgram makers, the colour theme and layout of the upcoming application resembles Instagram.

"My partner Kirill Filimonov and our group of developers were already ready for this turn of events and decided not to miss the opportunity to create a Russia analogue of a popular social network beloved by our compatriots," Rossgram's Public Relations Director Alexander Zobov stated in an official statement.[1]

The Russian state communications regulator Roskomnadzor blocked access to Instagram on March 14 after Meta said that it will allow social media users in Ukraine to post messages such as "Death to the Russian invaders".

Commenting on the Instagram ban in the country last week, Adam Mosseri, Head of the photo-sharing platform said, “On Monday, Instagram will be blocked in Russia. This decision will cut 80 million in Russia off from one another, and from the rest of the world as ~80% of people in Russia follow an Instagram account outside their country. This is wrong.”

The popular photo-sharing application is no longer available for existing or new users in Russia. Besides Instagram, last week Russia banned Meta's Facebook and also the microblogging site Twitter in the country.[2]

According to a photo shared by Zobov on Vkontakte, Rossgram's colour scheme and layout will bear a strong resemblance to Instagram. Meta did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Rossgram's design.

Russia has in recent months been developing its domestic technology, including AYYA T1 smartphones produced by state conglomerate Rostec.

In November, Gazprom Media launched Yappy as a domestic rival to video-sharing platform TikTok.[3]

References:

1. https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/russia-ukraine-crisis/russia-to-launch-own-photo-sharing-app-rossgram-after-instagram-blocked-by-kremlin-articleshow.html
2. https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/russia-photo-sharing-app-launch-date-march-28-features-download-instagram-ban-1926453-2022-03-17
3. https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/russians-to-launch-rossgram-photo-share-app-after-instagram-blocked-101647444792079.html

Cite this article:

Sri Vasagi K, Russia To Launch Own Photo-sharing App 'Rossgram, Anatechmaz. pp.57