Thu 14 August 2025:
Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, announced on Wednesday that it partially restricts calls in messengers Telegram and WhatsApp “to counter criminals.”
The watchdog clarified in a statement that only the calling function has been restricted, while all other features of the messenger remain fully operational.
“We inform you that, in accordance with materials provided by law enforcement agencies, measures have been taken to partially limit calls in these foreign messaging apps in order to combat criminal activities. No additional limitations on their functionality are being introduced,” it said.
Earlier users reported a sharp decrease in the quality of calls via WhatsApp and Telegram messengers.
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Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Kremlin has intensified social media restrictions to control information flow.
Major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have been blocked, while WhatsApp and Telegram face partial restrictions, including voice and video call limitations, affecting over 96 million and 89 million users, respectively.
Russia’s media regulator, Roskomnadzor, justifies these measures as necessary to combat crime, alleging these apps facilitate fraud and terrorism. The government is pushing users toward a state-managed app called Max, which integrates messaging and government services but lacks end-to-end encryption, raising surveillance concerns.
Laws passed in 2019 and 2025 criminalize “extremist” content searches and VPN advertising, with fines up to 5,000 rubles ($63). The “sovereign internet” law allows Russia to isolate its internet, enhancing censorship capabilities.
These restrictions limit free speech, monitor dissent, and isolate Russia’s internet, though users still bypass bans using VPNs.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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