Moscow is limiting access to WhatsApp and Telegram, justifying the move by saying the apps don’t share enough data with law enforcement.
The Russian government is also promoting a state-backed messaging app in order to increase control over the country’s internet and reduce reliance on foreign platforms.
The government says access to calls on foreign apps will be made possible again once the platform owners st art following local laws.
Since August 11th, Telegram calls have barely worked and WhatsApp calls have been unreliable. Russia says both apps ignored repeated requests to prevent misuse for fraud and terrorism.
Lawmakers say the platforms must open Russian entities and cooperate with authorities to lift restrictions.
Meta was labelled extremist in 2022 but WhatsApp remains widely used in Russia.
Meta, WhatsApp’s owner, said its service is private and encrypted, resisting government attempts to block users, while Telegram responded by stating it fights misuse, removes harmful content, and combats calls for violence or fraud.
