Russia partially restricts WhatsApp, Telegram voice calls citing crime concerns

Russia’s media and internet regulator, Roskomnadzor, has imposed partial restrictions on voice calls made through WhatsApp and Telegram, citing their alleged use in criminal activities such as extortion, fraud, and even sabotage.

The move, reported by state-run news agency TASS on Wednesday, leaves other features of the apps unaffected.

"We inform you that in order to counter criminals, in accordance with the materials of law enforcement agencies, measures are being taken to partially restrict calls in these foreign messengers. No other restrictions on their functionality are introduced," Roskomnadzor told TASS.

According to the regulator, both WhatsApp, owned by Meta, and UAE-based Telegram have been increasingly used to deceive Russian citizens and extort money.

Authorities also allege the platforms have facilitated sabotage and terrorist activities. Roskomnadzor claims repeated requests for the companies to address these issues were ignored.

While the restriction affects voice calls, users can reportedly bypass it by using virtual private network (VPN) services.

Russia has previously called for a ban on “foreign-owned” messaging services and promoted the use of domestic alternatives. Meta was labeled an extremist organisation in March 2022, and added to Russia’s “terrorists and extremists” list.

This is not the first clash between the platforms and Russian authorities. In 2022, Roskomnadzor took punitive action against several foreign tech companies, including Telegram, for failing to remove content deemed illegal — measures that remain in place until compliance is achieved.