Russia has announced partial restrictions on calls made through the WhatsApp and Telegram messaging platforms, saying the move is aimed at tackling criminal activity, state media reported on Wednesday.
“In order to combat criminals, measures are being taken to partially restrict calls on these foreign messaging apps (WhatsApp and Telegram),” the communications watchdog Roskomnadzor said, according to RIA and TASS news agencies.
The regulator described the apps as “the main voice services used for fraud, extortion, and for involving Russian citizens in subversive and terrorist activities.” Russian security services have repeatedly alleged that Ukraine uses Telegram to recruit individuals and carry out acts of sabotage inside Russia.
Authorities have demanded that the platforms provide law enforcement with access to user data, not only for fraud investigations but also for activities Moscow classifies as terrorism. Russia’s digital ministry stated that call services would be restored once the companies comply with national legislation.
In response, Telegram told AFP it “actively combats misuse of its platform, including calls for sabotage or violence, as well as fraud,” adding that it removes “millions of pieces of harmful content every day.”
Meta-owned WhatsApp emphasised its commitment to privacy, saying the platform is “private, end-to-end encrypted, and defies government attempts to violate people’s right to secure communication,” which it believes is why Russia seeks to block it from over 100 million users in the country.
Since the start of its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has intensified restrictions on press freedom and online speech, prompting concerns that the new measures could push users toward platforms more susceptible to government surveillance.
