Russia starts blocking WhatsApp and Telegram calls "to counteract criminals"
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Russia has "partially restricted" calls on Telegram and WhatsApp messengers to combat criminals. This was officially announced by the Russian censorship agency Roskomnadzor.

"According to law enforcement agencies and numerous appeals from citizens, foreign messengers Telegram and WhatsApp have become the main voice services used to deceive and extort money, and to involve Russian citizens in subversive and terrorist activities," the regulator said (quoted by Interfax).

In view of this, "in order to counteract criminals, in accordance with the materials of law enforcement agencies, measures are being taken to partially restrict calls in these foreign messengers," the agency added.

Roskomnadzor did not disclose the criteria for "partial restriction" of calls in messengers, but emphasized that "no other restrictions on their functionality are introduced."

Users in Russia began complaining about malfunctioning WhatsApp and Telegram calls on August 10-11, 2025. Shortly before that, Russian Forbes, citing a government source reported that the "Big Four" largest telecommunications operators (MTS, Megafon, Beeline and Tele2) asked to block calls in foreign messengers.

In June, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin signed a law that allows for the creation of a state messenger with integrated public services. It should reduce dependence on foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram.

A new application that was named MAX is being developed by the state-controlled company VK.