Naija Blog — Russia has imposed restrictions on voice calls made through WhatsApp and Telegram, in what authorities describe as an effort to curb criminal activity but critics view as another step in tightening state control over online communications.
The ban, announced Wednesday by media and internet regulator Roskomnadzor, is expected to affect WhatsApp’s 96 million monthly users and Telegram’s more than 89 million users in Russia, according to data from Mediascope.
Roskomnadzor accused both platforms of failing to cooperate with repeated requests to address alleged misuse.
“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,” the regulator said, adding that law enforcement wants access to user data.
“Access to calls in foreign messengers will be restored after they start complying with Russian legislation,” the agency stated.
Although officials insist the restrictions target only voice calls, users report that video calls have also been disrupted.
The move comes amid Moscow’s increasing control over the domestic internet since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with security agencies claiming Telegram is used for recruitment and sabotage coordination. In July 2025, Russia passed a law criminalising searches for online content deemed illegal, and plans are underway to replace foreign messaging apps with a state-backed platform, Max.
A WhatsApp spokesperson criticised the decision, saying the encrypted app “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.”
Telegram defended its moderation efforts, stating it actively removes “millions of pieces of harmful content every day,” including calls for violence, sabotage, and fraud.
Telegram, developed by Russian-born tech entrepreneur Pavel Durov, has faced similar criticism in other countries over alleged inaction against criminal activity.
