The Russian government has restricted voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, claiming that the platforms, both foreign ownership, did not meet requests to share information with authorities in cases of fraud and terrorism.
According to the Roskomnadzor regulatory agency, quoted by Interfax, the measure is partial and does not affect other applications features. The Ministry of Digital Development reported that access will be restored when companies comply with Russian legislation.
The decision is part of a dispute between Moscow and foreign technology companies on data and content storage, intensified since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. President Vladimir Putin has authorized the development of a state messenger integrated with government services to reduce the dependence on foreign platforms.
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Since August 11, users have reported difficulties in voice calls in both applications. According to Reutersthe calls on the Telegram work unstably, while in WhatsApp audio features failures and noise.
Deputy Anton Gorelkin, deputy chief of the Baixa Chamber Information Technology Committee, said that to suspend the blockade the platforms will need to open legal representation in Russia and cooperate with Roskomnadzor and authorities.
In a statement, the goal, owner of WhatsApp, said the application “is private, with end-to-end encryption, and resists attempts to violate people’s right to safe communication, which is why Russia tries to block it to over 100 million people.” Telegram has stated that it actively fights misuse of the platform, removing millions of harmful content daily.
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The goal was classified as an extremist organization by Russia in 2022, but WhatsApp was still authorized to operate, receiving only a few fines for not removing prohibited content.
