Russia blocks WhatsApp, Telegram calling services

MOSCOW,— Russian authorities have begun limiting certain calling functions on Telegram and WhatsApp, saying the foreign-owned platforms have refused to share information with investigators in cases tied to fraud and terrorism, the Ministry of Digital Development announced Wednesday.

The move marks another step in Moscow’s years-long conflict with major global technology companies over content moderation and data storage rules.

Tensions escalated sharply after Russia launched its military campaign in Ukraine in February 2022. Critics say the Kremlin’s measures are aimed at tightening its grip over the country’s online environment.

President Vladimir Putin has approved the creation of a state-run messaging service linked to government platforms, part of a drive officials describe as “digital sovereignty.” The strategy seeks to promote Russian-developed products and reduce reliance on applications such as WhatsApp and Telegram.

“To counter criminal activities, steps are being taken to partially restrict calls on these foreign messengers,” communications regulator Roskomnadzor said in comments carried by the Interfax news agency. “Other features of the apps remain unaffected.”

Requests for comment sent to Meta Platforms, the owner of WhatsApp, and Telegram were not immediately answered. Telegram told the RBC newspaper it actively blocks calls for violence and fraud and uses artificial intelligence tools to monitor public channels, removing millions of harmful messages each day.

Telegram voice calls have been barely functional since Aug. 11, while WhatsApp calls have failed entirely, with users reporting distorted sound and a metallic hum.

The ministry said both companies had repeatedly been asked to act against the use of their platforms for illicit purposes but did not comply. The ministry added that the calling ban could be lifted if the firms agreed to follow Russian regulations.

According to Anton Gorelkin, deputy chair of the State Duma’s information policy committee, compliance includes setting up legal entities in Russia, following local laws without exceptions, and cooperating with Roskomnadzor and law enforcement agencies.

Moscow labeled Meta an extremist organization in 2022, though WhatsApp — one of Russia’s most-used messaging services — was allowed to operate.

The app has been fined for failing to remove banned content. Gorelkin said last month that WhatsApp should consider leaving the Russian market, and another lawmaker argued the app poses a national security threat.

Rights groups have warned that the government’s planned domestic messaging platform could enable expanded surveillance of users. Some analysts have suggested Moscow may intentionally slow WhatsApp to push users toward the state-backed service.

In July, Human Rights Watch reported that Russia has increased its capacity to block websites and limit access to circumvention tools, expanding official control over the country’s internet infrastructure.

(With files from Reuters)