Russia Restricts WhatsApp and Telegram Calls, Citing Crime and Security Concerns
Russia has announced new restrictions on voice calls made via WhatsApp and Telegram, marking another step in Moscow’s tightening grip on the country’s internet.
The curb will affect WhatsApp’s estimated 96 million monthly users and Telegram’s 89 million users in Russia, according to media monitoring service Mediascope.
In a statement on Wednesday, Russia’s media and internet regulator Roskomnadzor said the measure was necessary to combat crime and protect national security.
“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 said.
“Repeated requests to take countermeasures have been ignored by the owners of the messengers.”
Authorities have demanded that the platforms provide access to user data upon request from Russian law enforcement. Roskomnadzor added that access to calls would be restored only if the services comply with Russian legislation.
While the government claimed only voice calls were restricted, Russian users reported that video calls were also affected.
Since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has steadily expanded its control over the domestic internet, often citing security concerns. Security services have accused Ukraine of using Telegram to recruit agents and organise sabotage operations inside Russia.
Last month, Russia adopted a law criminalising searches for online content deemed illegal by authorities. Officials are also promoting a homegrown messaging app, Max, which critics warn could give the government unprecedented access to user data.
A WhatsApp spokesperson said 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, founded by Russian tech entrepreneur Pavel Durov, told AFP 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.”
Telegram has long faced criticism in Russia and abroad for allegedly failing to act decisively against criminal activity on its platform.
