Russia has introduced targeted restrictions on voice calls made via WhatsApp and Telegram, citing their use in scams, extortion, sabotage, and recruitment for illegal activities.
Highlights
- Partial Ban: Russia has restricted voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram due to alleged misuse for scams, extortion, and illegal recruitment.
- Messaging Unaffected: Text, file sharing, and media features remain operational, though VPNs can bypass call restrictions.
- Government Pushback: Roskomnadzor says repeated anti-abuse requests to WhatsApp and Telegram went unanswered.
- Digital Sovereignty: Move aligns with Russia’s goal to promote its state-backed messenger “Max” as an alternative.
- Part of Wider Controls: Fits into ongoing measures such as website blocks, VPN crackdowns, and state-approved “white lists.”
- Technical Method: Call functions appear throttled or blocked at ISP/telecom level, especially in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
- Reactions: WhatsApp called the measure a setback for encrypted communication; officials cite non-cooperation in investigations.
- Context: Continues Russia’s history of targeting foreign tech firms, including labeling Meta as an “extremist” entity in 2022.
The measure, announced by state media outlet TASS and confirmed by communications regulator Roskomnadzor, follows years of official criticism toward foreign-owned messaging services.
According to Roskomnadzor, the limitation affects only the call function and does not impact messaging, file sharing, or other core features.
Some users in Russia will be unable to make or receive calls on the platforms, though the agency acknowledged that the restriction could be bypassed using virtual private networks (VPNs).
The regulator stated that repeated requests to WhatsApp—owned by Meta—and Telegram, based in the UAE, for stronger anti-abuse measures went unanswered.
Part of Russia’s Digital Sovereignty Push
The restrictions align with Russia’s broader strategy of promoting digital sovereignty—reducing reliance on foreign platforms while advancing state-backed alternatives.
Officials are encouraging adoption of a government-developed messaging service called Max, which will be pre-installed on smartphones and designed to share data with authorities.
Observers note that limiting WhatsApp and Telegram’s functionality could indirectly drive more users toward Max.
Internet Controls
The move is the latest in a series of measures expanding state control over Russia’s internet infrastructure.
In recent years, authorities have blocked websites, introduced mobile internet shutdowns, created “white lists” of approved resources, and criminalized VPN usage and viewing of certain online content.
Analysts describe the WhatsApp and Telegram action as part of a shift from content regulation to communication control.
Technical Nature of the Restrictions
Monitoring data suggests that the call functions have been selectively throttled or blocked at the internet service provider or telecom level, while text and media sharing remain accessible. The disruption appears most pronounced in major cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Platform and Government Positions
WhatsApp criticized the restrictions, calling them a setback to its mission of providing secure, end-to-end encrypted communication to over 100 million users in Russia.
Russian authorities, however, maintain that the companies failed to cooperate with investigations into fraud and terrorism, making selective call blocking a justified measure.
Ongoing Scrutiny of Foreign Tech
This development follows earlier actions against major international tech companies. In March 2022, Meta was declared guilty of “extremist activities” in Russia and added to the national list of “terrorists and extremists.”
Telegram has also faced periodic restrictions and penalties for non-compliance with local content regulations.
