Russia has announced partial restrictions on voice calls made through WhatsApp and Telegram, stating the move is aimed at tackling criminal activities, according to state media reports on Wednesday.
The country’s communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, said in a statement carried by RIA and TASS news agencies that the decision was taken “in order to combat criminals,” specifically targeting calls made on the two foreign messaging platforms. Roskomnadzor explained that these applications have increasingly 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 Telegram, in particular, has been used by Ukraine to recruit individuals and carry out acts of sabotage within Russian territory. Moscow insists that these messaging services should provide law enforcement agencies with access to user data upon request, not only for fraud investigations but also for cases classified by Russia as terrorism-related.
The Ministry of Digital Development confirmed that “access to calls in foreign messengers will be restored after they start complying with Russian legislation.”
Responding to the development, Telegram told AFP that 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, which is used by over 100 million people in Russia, also criticized the move. A spokesperson told AFP that the platform is “private, end-to-end encrypted, and defies government attempts to violate people’s right to secure communication,” suggesting that Russia’s actions are designed to push users toward platforms that are more susceptible to government monitoring.
Since launching its military operation in Ukraine, Russia has tightened its control over the flow of information by heavily restricting press freedom and online speech.
What you should know
Russia’s move to limit WhatsApp and Telegram calls reflects growing tension between the state and foreign communication platforms.
The Kremlin’s demand for access to user data is part of a wider strategy to monitor digital activity, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict with Ukraine and concerns over national security.
