Russia restricts voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram
Russia announced restrictions on calls via WhatsApp and Telegram on Wednesday, stating the move was necessary to combat criminal activity, according to state media reports.
Russia’s communications watchdog Roskomnadzor announced on Wednesday that it is partially restricting calls on the foreign messaging apps WhatsApp and Telegram, citing the need to combat criminal activity, RIA and TASS reported.
The regulator said the apps had become “the main voice services used for fraud and extortion, and for involving Russian citizens in subversive and terrorist activities.” Russian security agencies have often alleged that Ukraine uses Telegram to recruit operatives or carry out sabotage in Russia. Moscow insists that messaging services must provide law enforcement with access to data on request—not only for fraud investigations, but also for cases it classifies as terrorism.
The digital ministry said call access would be restored once the platforms complied with Russian laws.
In a statement to AFP, Telegram said it “actively combats misuse of its platform, including calls for sabotage or violence, as well as fraud,” and removes “millions of pieces of harmful content every day.”
A WhatsApp spokesperson told AFP that the app is “private, end-to-end encrypted, and 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.” The spokesperson added that the company fears the move aims to push users toward platforms more susceptible to government surveillance.
Since launching its offensive in Ukraine, Russia has sharply curtailed press freedom and online free speech.
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