Russia has started restricting some voice calls on Telegram and WhatsApp, accusing the foreign-owned messaging platforms of failing to share information with law enforcement in cases involving fraud and terrorism, the country’s digital development ministry said on Wednesday.
The ministry clarified that the restrictions apply only to calls and do not affect other features of the apps.
“In order to counteract criminals… measures are being taken to partially restrict calls on these foreign messengers,” Roskomnadzor, Russia’s communications regulator, told the Interfax news agency. “No other restrictions have been imposed on their functionality.”
WhatsApp owner, Meta and Telegram did not issue any comment.
SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS CONFIRMED
According to news agency Reuters, the voice calls on Telegram had barely functioned since August 11, while WhatsApp calls were disrupted by intermittent sound and a metallic buzzing that made communication impossible.
Telegram, speaking to Russia’s RBC daily, said it was actively combating calls for violence and fraud on its platform. “Moderators are using AI tools to monitor public parts of the platform to remove millions of malicious messages every day,” the company stated.
MOSCOW PUSHES FOR DIGITAL SOVEREIGNTY
The dispute over content control and data storage intensified after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Experts have alleged that the government is trying to expand its control over Russia’s internet ecosystem.
President Vladimir Putin has authorised the development of a state-backed messaging app designed to integrate with government services. Officials say this initiative is part of Russia’s drive for digital sovereignty, aiming to promote home-grown services and reduce reliance on foreign platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.
The digital development ministry said that repeated requests for compliance — like taking steps to prevent the platforms from being used for fraud and terrorism — had been ignored.
The ministry warned that the restrictions would be lifted if the companies fully comply with Russian law, including opening legal entities in Russia, cooperating with Roskomnadzor and law enforcement, and unconditionally following all national legislation.
POLITICAL PRESSURE MOUNTS
Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the lower house of parliament’s information technology committee, reiterated the requirements for compliance.
Meta was classified as an extremist organisation in Russia in 2022 as per Reuters, but WhatsApp, which remains widely used, has faced penalties for failing to remove content prohibited under Russian law.
Gorelkin suggested last month that WhatsApp should prepare to exit the Russian market, while other lawmakers described its continued presence as a national security threat.
Human Rights Watch warned last month that Russia’s government is rapidly increasing its technological capabilities and tightening control over the country’s internet infrastructure. The organisation said this allows for broader website blocking, throttling of services, and restrictions on tools that help users circumvent censorship.
– Ends
With inputs from agencies
Tune In