Russia restricts WhatsApp and Telegram calls in a major move to tighten state control over online communication. The restrictions, announced by Russia’s media and internet regulator Roskomnadzor, are expected to impact millions of users across the country as Moscow continues to clamp down on digital freedoms amid the war in Ukraine.
Why Russia Restricts WhatsApp and Telegram Calls
According to Roskomnadzor, the decision to block voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram comes after repeated warnings from law enforcement. The agency stated:
“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.”
Authorities claim the restrictions target only voice calls, but some users have reported that video calls are also being disrupted.
Roskomnadzor added that the ban will remain in place until the companies comply with Russian law. It said:
“Access to calls in foreign messengers will be restored after they start complying with Russian legislation.”
Impact on Millions of Users
The restrictions are expected to affect WhatsApp’s 96 million monthly users and Telegram’s 89 million users in Russia, according to media research group Mediascope.
Both platforms are among the most widely used apps in Russia, and blocking their call features could push more users toward government-approved services.
Moscow’s Tightening Grip on the Internet
Since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has steadily increased its control over the online space. Authorities often accuse Ukraine of using Telegram to recruit Russians or coordinate sabotage inside the country.
Last month, lawmakers passed a law punishing users who search for content deemed illegal. Officials are also pushing for a state-backed messaging app called Max, which critics warn could allow the government greater surveillance access.
WhatsApp and Telegram Respond
Meta-owned WhatsApp rejected the restrictions in a statement shared on its official Instagram account:
“WhatsApp is private, end-to-end encrypted, and 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. We will keep doing all we can to make end-to-end encrypted communication available to people everywhere, including in Russia.”
Telegram also defended its platform in a statement to AFP, saying it “actively combats misuse” and removes “millions of pieces of harmful content every day,” including fraud and calls for violence.
What’s Next?
As Russia restricts WhatsApp and Telegram calls, the move raises fears of deeper online censorship and surveillance. Analysts believe the government’s push for domestic alternatives could signal an even greater effort to isolate Russia’s internet from the rest of the world.
For now, millions of Russians face limited access to secure communication tools, as global tech companies and Moscow remain at odds over compliance with local laws.
