Russia has blocked WhatsApp and Telegram voice calls, citing fraud and sabotage concerns.
Authorities say the ban will remain until the platforms comply with Russian laws.
Russia has imposed restrictions on voice call services via WhatsApp and Telegram, alleging the platforms are being misused for fraud, criminal activity, and sabotage amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The state communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, announced the measure on Wednesday, warning that services would only be restored once the companies comply with Russian laws. The decision affects a vast user base, with industry data from Mediascope estimating WhatsApp’s monthly users in Russia at around 96 million and Telegram’s at about 89 million.
Authorities claim both apps have become “primary tools for scams, extortion, and recruitment into sabotage and terrorist activities.” They say repeated requests for the companies to address these issues have gone unanswered. While the ban officially targets voice calls, some users have also reported disruptions to video call functions.
The move is the latest in a broader crackdown on digital communications since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Moscow alleges that Kyiv relies on encrypted messaging platforms to plan military attacks and enlist agents inside Russia.
Last month, the Kremlin introduced harsher penalties for accessing banned online content and urged citizens to adopt Max, a state-backed messaging app criticized for potential surveillance capabilities.
In response, WhatsApp stated on Instagram Stories that it would “continue to defend private, end-to-end encrypted communication,” pushing back against Moscow’s restrictions. Telegram, founded by Russian-born entrepreneur Pavel Durov, told reporters it removes “millions of harmful posts daily,” including violent content and scams.
