Russia Cracks Down on WhatsApp and Telegram, Restricting Calls Amid Security Concerns

Russia has imposed partial restrictions on voice calls made through WhatsApp and Telegram, citing security concerns and accusing the platforms of failing to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in cases involving fraud and terrorism.

According to Roskomnadzor, the country’s digital watchdog, the platforms have ignored repeated requests to take measures against their use for illicit activities.

The restrictions, which affect WhatsApp’s 96 million monthly users and Telegram’s 89 million users in Russia, are part of Moscow’s push for “digital sovereignty” and reducing reliance on foreign technology. The Russian government has been promoting domestic services and developing a state-backed messaging app integrated with government services.