Russia has announced partial restrictions on voice calls made through WhatsApp and Telegram, citing the need to combat criminal activity, according to state media reports on Wednesday.
In a statement carried by the RIA and TASS news agencies, communications watchdog Roskomnadzor said the measure was aimed at tackling a growing problem of fraud, extortion, and activities it described as subversive or terrorist in nature. The regulator claimed the two foreign messaging services had become “the main voice services used for fraud and extortion, and for involving Russian citizens in subversive and terrorist activities.”
Russian authorities have repeatedly alleged that Ukraine has used Telegram to recruit individuals and carry out acts of sabotage inside Russia. Officials have also warned that these platforms are increasingly being exploited to organise activities against the state.
The new restrictions apply to calls made through the messaging apps, not to text or other forms of communication. Moscow has said it wants WhatsApp and Telegram to provide access to user data when requested by law enforcement, not only for fraud investigations but also for cases linked to what Russia classifies as terrorism-related offences.
“Access to calls in foreign messengers will be restored after they start complying with Russian legislation,” the country’s digital ministry said. The ministry did not give a timeline for how long the curbs might remain in place, suggesting they would continue until the companies meet Moscow’s demands.
Telegram, in a statement to AFP, said it “actively combats misuse of its platform, including calls for sabotage or violence, as well as fraud,” and that it removes “millions of pieces of harmful content every day.” The company did not address whether it would comply with Russia’s requests to grant law enforcement access to call data.
WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has not yet issued a public response. However, the platform’s parent company has previously resisted government demands in various countries to weaken encryption or share user data, citing privacy and security concerns.
The restrictions come amid a wider push by Russian authorities to tighten control over digital communications and online platforms. Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, Moscow has introduced new laws requiring foreign technology firms to store data locally and comply with requests from security services. Several international platforms have been blocked or restricted in Russia for failing to follow these regulations.
Analysts say the latest move underscores the Kremlin’s efforts to limit the use of foreign technology in sensitive communications and to assert greater oversight over the flow of information within its borders. Critics, however, argue that the restrictions could limit free expression and cut off millions of Russians from secure communication channels.
