Russia has announced restrictions on voice calls made on the WhatsApp and Telegram messaging apps, citing concerns about facilitating crime and sabotage. The move aims to tighten control over the internet amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
According to Roskomnadzor, Russia’s media and internet regulator, the restrictions are necessary for fighting crime, with foreign messengers Telegram and WhatsApp blamed for being used to deceive money, involve citizens in sabotage and terrorist activities. Authorities require these platforms to provide access to user data upon request from law enforcement.
The measures will impact an estimated 185 million users of WhatsApp and Telegram in Russia, including both voice and video calls. The regulators claim only voice calls are restricted, but users report that video calls have also been affected.
Russia has expanded its control over the internet since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, with security services claiming Ukraine uses Telegram to recruit people or commit sabotage. A domestic Russian app called Max is planned, which critics fear will allow authorities access to user data.
WhatsApp and Telegram deny allegations, with WhatsApp stating it “defies government attempts to violate people’s right to secure communication”. Telegram says it removes millions of harmful pieces of content daily and actively combats misuse on its platform.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/14/russia-restricts-calls-on-whatsapp-telegram-as-internet-control-tightens