Russian authorities announced on Wednesday they are “partially” restricting voice calls on the messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp, citing security concerns. The move marks the latest step in a long-running campaign to tighten state control over the internet.
Media regulator Roskomnadzor claimed both apps had become major tools for scams, extortion, and alleged recruitment into sabotage and terrorism. Officials said repeated requests for the platforms to act against such activities were ignored.
WhatsApp, owned by Meta, responded that it protects secure communication rights, accusing Moscow of targeting the app’s more than 100 million Russian users. Telegram, with over 89 million monthly users, has not yet commented.
Russia has spent years restricting online freedoms, introducing sweeping laws, blocking non-compliant platforms, and perfecting tools to monitor internet traffic. Virtual private networks (VPNs), used to bypass restrictions, are also routinely blocked.
This summer saw large-scale mobile internet shutdowns, officially justified as measures against Ukrainian drone strikes. Experts argued they were another move towards digital isolation. In Crimea, such shutdowns could last indefinitely.
The government recently passed a law punishing searches for banned content and threatened WhatsApp directly. It is also promoting a new state-backed messenger, MAX, expected to be heavily monitored and preinstalled on all smartphones.
State agencies and businesses are urged to move to MAX, which will share user data with authorities. Roskomnadzor said WhatsApp and Telegram call restrictions could be lifted if the platforms follow Russian law, clarifying the ban affects only audio calls.
