Russia’s move to limit calls on WhatsApp and Telegram is part of a broader strategy to strengthen oversight of digital communications under the guise of combating fraud and terrorism. Although authorities claim this measure is temporary, there is a low level of skepticism about the veracity of this information. The fear is that restrictions on access to global digital platforms will become increasingly significant due to strong state control.
Growing tensions between Moscow and global platforms
Russia has started restricting some Telegram and WhatsApp calls, accusing the foreign-owned platforms of failing to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases, the digital development ministry said on Wednesday. Russia has clashed with foreign tech platforms for several years over content and data storage in a simmering dispute that intensified after Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
The ministry explained that the partial suspension of phone call services was introduced after repeated warnings to the companies went unanswered. Authorities argue that while text messaging remains available, restricting calls is a necessary measure to prevent the platforms from being used to coordinate illicit activities.
President Vladimir Putin has authorized the development of a state-backed messaging app integrated with government services, as Moscow seeks to establish what it calls digital sovereignty by promoting home-grown services and reducing its dependence on platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram. WhatsApp owner Meta Platforms META.O and Telegram did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Platforms push back as restrictions take effect
Telegram, responding to Russia’s RBC daily, said it was resisting calls for violence and fraud on its platform and that moderators were using AI tools to monitor public parts of the platform to remove millions of malicious messages every day. Reuters reporters verified the restrictions, noting that voice calls on Telegram had barely functioned since August 11 and that WhatsApp calls had been rendered impossible due to intermittent sound and a metallic buzzing.
The digital development ministry said Telegram and WhatsApp had ignored repeated requests to take measures to stop their platforms from being used for activities such as fraud and terrorism. The blocking measures, which extend only to calls, would be lifted should the platforms comply with Russian law, the ministry said.
Compliance and legal demands from Moscow
Russian authorities have defined compliance as non-negotiable, making it clear that any foreign platform wishing to operate in the country must accept all conditions imposed, including data localization and direct cooperation with regulatory bodies. This policy demonstrates Moscow’s determination to limit the influence of foreign companies in its territory, reinforcing its quest for greater sovereignty over online communications.
This includes opening legal entities in Russia, complying unconditionally with all Russian laws, and cooperating with Roskomnadzor and law enforcement, said Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the lower house of parliament’s information technology committee. Meta was branded an extremist organization by Moscow in 2022, but WhatsApp, widely used in Russia, was allowed to remain.
Security concerns and the push for local alternatives
Gorelkin last month said that WhatsApp should prepare to leave the market. Another lawmaker described WhatsApp’s presence in the Russian market as a breach of national security. Critics have voiced concerns that Russia’s new state-backed messaging app may track its users’ activities and have suggested Russia might slow WhatsApp’s speeds to get users to migrate to the new platform.
The dispute is yet another example of tensions between Russia and Western digital platforms, particularly those focused on communication. At the same time, Moscow is also expanding its internal digital technologies, further reducing incentives for global social networks, which impacts the population on issues such as privacy and freedom of choice.
GCN.com/Reuters