Russia has moved to restrict voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, citing national security risks, rampant fraud, and alleged support for sabotage operations during its war in Ukraine.
The measure, announced Wednesday by state media regulator Roskomnadzor, is expected to disrupt communications for tens of millions. Industry data from Mediascope estimates WhatsApp’s monthly user base in Russia at about 96 million, with Telegram attracting over 89 million.
Authorities claim the apps have become hubs for criminal activity, including scams, extortion, and the recruitment of citizens for sabotage and terrorist acts.
“According to law enforcement and numerous citizen reports, Telegram and WhatsApp are the primary voice services used to deceive, extort, and involve Russians in acts against the state,” Roskomnadzor said.
The agency accused both platforms of ignoring repeated requests to address these issues, adding that access to calls would be restored only after compliance with Russian law. While the regulator stressed that only voice calls were affected, users reported disruptions to video calls as well.
The restrictions mark the latest step in Moscow’s sweeping crackdown on online platforms since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Officials have accused Kyiv of exploiting Telegram to coordinate operations inside Russia.
Last month, new laws were passed penalizing searches for banned online content, alongside a government push for its own state-backed messaging service, “Max” — which critics warn could double as a surveillance tool.
Platform Responses
WhatsApp responded via Instagram Stories, reaffirming its commitment to encrypted messaging.
“WhatsApp is private, end-to-end encrypted, and resists government attempts to undermine secure communication, which is why Russia is trying to block it for over 100 million people,” the company said. “We will continue working to keep end-to-end encryption available everywhere, including in Russia.”
Telegram, founded by Russian-born entrepreneur Pavel Durov, told AFP it actively removes “millions of pieces of harmful content daily,” including scams and calls for violence.
The latest clash underscores the Kremlin’s intensifying standoff with global tech firms as it tightens control over Russia’s digital space.
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