Russia imposed limitations on voice calls via Telegram and WhatsApp applications
In Russia, calls on the messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp have been restricted as part of an anti-fraud and anti-criminal measure. The agency responsible, Roskomnadzor, has claimed that these foreign platforms have become significant tools for scam calls, extortion, and recruitment into terrorism and sabotage, based on information from law enforcement agencies [1][2][3].
The restrictions, which were announced in August 2025, are a selective throttling of calls rather than a complete shutdown, and other app functions remain unaffected. The agency stated that the calls could be restored if WhatsApp and Telegram comply with Russian law, implying enforcement under Russia’s regulatory framework governing telecommunications and online safety [1][3].
This move follows multiple appeals from citizens and reports by law enforcement agencies that these platforms have become “the main voice services used to deceive and extort money and involve Russian citizens in sabotage and terrorist activities” [2][3]. The specific cause of the problems with calls on Telegram and WhatsApp is not specified.
As of the publication date, the issues with calls on these platforms have not been addressed, and there has been no statement from the owners of Telegram or WhatsApp regarding the restrictions for Russian users. Repeated demands for countermeasures from the owners of the messaging apps have been ignored by them [1][2][3].
It is unclear if the call restrictions are temporary or permanent. The Russian government has not imposed any additional restrictions on these messaging apps beyond the call restrictions. The problems with calls on Telegram and WhatsApp have not affected other platform functionalities [1][2][3].
This enforcement reflects Russia’s policy to regulate foreign apps that officials accuse of failing to ensure the safety of Russian users. The restriction of calls in Telegram and WhatsApp was made by Roskomnadzor [1][2][3].
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-partially-blocks-calls-on-telegram-whatsapp-2021-08-09/ [2] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58254834 [3] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/09/russia-blocks-telegram-calls-in-latest-crackdown-on-messaging-app
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