The Kremlin has demanded access to call data for terrorism-related investigations. Credit: photoibo / Shutterstock.com
Just days before Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are due to meet face-to-face in Alaska, Russia has announced major restrictions on voice calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, citing efforts to combat crime.
Russian users of WhatsApp and Telegram are experiencing limits on call functions. Text messaging remains unaffected for now.
The Roskomnadzor – Russia’s federal service for supervising communications, IT and media – claimed the two apps “have become the main services used to deceive and extort, and to involve Russian citizens in acts of sabotage and terrorism”.
Officials said repeated requests for the companies to take action have been ignored. The Kremlin has demanded access to call data for terrorism-related investigations, adding that restrictions will be lifted once platforms comply with Russian law.
The announcement came on Wednesday August 13 – the same week Moscow fined Telegram more than US$130,000 for refusing to localise Russian citizens’ data.
A WhatsApp spokesperson said the encrypted messaging 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”.
The move comes weeks after Russia began promoting a new national messaging app called Max, likened to China’s WeChat. Authorities say it will integrate messaging with access to public services.
Over the summer, officials have also imposed widespread mobile internet shutdowns, claiming the measure was necessary to thwart Ukrainian drone attacks. Experts argue it is part of a broader effort to tighten internet control.
The Ministry of Digital Development and Communications is working with providers on a “white list” of essential websites and services to remain accessible during blackouts.
In Crimea – illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014 – Russian-installed authorities said mobile internet shutdowns could last indefinitely.
Last month, the government introduced a law punishing users for searching for content deemed illegal and signalled fresh action against WhatsApp. Reports of call disruptions surfaced earlier this week in Russian media, with users complaining of failed connections or inaudible calls.
According to Mediascope, WhatsApp was Russia’s most popular platform in July with over 96 million monthly users. Telegram ranked second, with more than 89 million.
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