Russia Imposes Restrictions On WhatsApp And Telegram Calls Amid Security Concerns.
Russia has introduced partial restrictions on voice and video calls made through WhatsApp and Telegram, a move announced by the country’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, on 13 August 2025. The decision, affecting an estimated 96 million WhatsApp users and 89 million Telegram users in Russia, is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to tighten control over the internet, citing national security and crime prevention as key motivations.
Roskomnadzor justified the restrictions, claiming that the messaging platforms have become primary channels for fraudulent activities, extortion, and the recruitment of individuals for sabotage and terrorist acts. The regulator stated that both WhatsApp and Telegram had repeatedly ignored requests to cooperate with law enforcement by providing access to user data. The curbs, which began impacting users as early as 11 August, have caused widespread disruptions, with reports of intermittent sound and connectivity issues during calls.
The Russian government has emphasised that the restrictions are limited to voice and video call functions, leaving other features of the apps unaffected. Authorities have indicated that full access could be restored if the platforms comply with Russian legislation, particularly by sharing user data with law enforcement upon request. This development aligns with Russia’s broader push for “digital sovereignty,” which includes promoting a state-backed messaging app called Max, developed by VK, a Russian social media company. Max, currently in beta testing, is designed to integrate government services and is seen by critics as a tool for increased state surveillance.
WhatsApp, owned by Meta, condemned the restrictions as an attack on secure communication, highlighting its end-to-end encryption as a safeguard against government overreach. A spokesperson stated that the platform would continue efforts to ensure private communication remains accessible to its users in Russia. Telegram, founded by Russian entrepreneur Pavel Durov, responded by asserting that it actively combats misuse, removing millions of pieces of harmful content daily, including material related to fraud and violence.
The restrictions come amidst heightened internet controls in Russia, intensified since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The government has previously blocked major platforms like Facebook and Instagram, labelling Meta an extremist organisation, and has struggled to regulate Telegram due to its encrypted nature. The introduction of Max, which may be pre-installed on smartphones sold in Russia, has raised concerns among human rights groups about potential surveillance and data sharing with authorities.
Public reaction has been mixed, with some Russians expressing frustration over the loss of reliable communication tools, while others remain unaware of workarounds like virtual private networks (VPNs). The move has sparked debate about balancing security with digital freedoms, as Russia continues to reshape its online landscape in pursuit of greater control.
