Sommytex
a year ago
Russia has imposed restrictions on voice calls made through WhatsApp and Telegram, marking the latest step in Moscow’s tightening grip on online communications.
The ban, announced on Wednesday by the country’s media and internet regulator, Roskomnadzor, is expected to affect WhatsApp’s estimated 96 million monthly users in Russia and Telegram’s more than 89 million users, according to Russian media monitoring service Mediascope.
Roskomnadzor said the measure was aimed at curbing criminal activity.
“According to law enforcement agencies and numerous appeals from citizens, foreign messengers Telegram and WhatsApp have become the main voice services used to deceive and extort money, and to involve Russian citizens in sabotage and terrorist activities,” the regulator stated, according to Al Jazeera.
The regulator accused the social media platforms of ignoring repeated requests to cooperate.
“Repeated requests to take countermeasures have been ignored by the owners of the messengers,” the agency said, adding that Moscow wants the companies to grant law enforcement access to user data.
“Access to calls in foreign messengers will be restored after they start complying with Russian legislation,” Roskomnadzor added.
Although officials said the restrictions apply only to voice calls, users reportedly say that video calls were also disrupted.
Since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia is reported to have steadily expanded control over its domestic internet space, with security agencies claiming that Ukraine uses Telegram to recruit people and coordinate sabotage operations.
In July 2025, Moscow introduced a law criminalising searches for online content deemed illegal by authorities.
Plans are also underway to replace popular foreign messaging apps with a homegrown platform called Max, which critics warn could give the state unfettered access to user data.
A WhatsApp spokesperson in the country criticised the restrictions, saying the encrypted app “defies government attempts to violate people’s right to secure communication, which is why Russia is trying to block it from over 100 million Russian people.”
Telegram, in a statement, also defended its moderation efforts, saying “Telegram actively combats misuse of its platform, including calls for sabotage or violence, as well as fraud.”
The company added that it removes “millions of pieces of harmful content every day.”
Telegram, developed by Russian-born tech entrepreneur Pavel Durov, has faced similar criticism in other countries over alleged inaction against criminal activity on its platform.
0
3