Russian authorities' imposition of limitations on Telegram discussed
In a move aimed at combating criminal activities, the Russian state telecom watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has partially blocked voice and video calls on Telegram and WhatsApp. The restriction, described as an "anti-fraud measure," was officially confirmed on August 13th.
Roskomnadzor and other Russian authorities accuse these foreign messaging platforms of being widely used for scams, extortion, recruitment into terrorism, and sabotage. Nearly all fraudulent calls, they claim, have shifted to these platforms, which have refused to ensure the safety of Russian users by cooperating with law enforcement or implementing sufficient anti-fraud safeguards.
The Digital Development Ministry of Russia has suggested that calls may be restored if WhatsApp and Telegram comply with Russian laws, including establishing local legal entities and cooperating with authorities. This push for compliance is part of the broader government effort to control digital communication and promote "digital sovereignty," including support for homegrown platforms that are easier to regulate and surveil.
While the State Duma's specific statements are less publicly detailed, the crackdown aligns with these broader efforts.
Telegram, founded by Pavel Durov, and WhatsApp, owned by Meta, have publicly criticized the restrictions. WhatsApp rejected the claims, maintaining its commitment to secure communication and accusing Russia of promoting less secure, government-monitored platforms. Telegram, on the other hand, emphasized its active use of AI moderation and resistance to fraud and violence on the platform.
Despite the restrictions, Telegram's press service did not comment on the situation in Russia. However, it is known that harmful use on Telegram includes calls for violence, sabotage, and fraud. Millions of malicious messages are removed from Telegram daily by moderators, and the platform is actively fighting against harmful use.
Users can independently configure who can call them on Telegram, and they have the option to completely disable calls on the platform. Telegram's moderators use AI tools to monitor the public platform sections, ensuring a safe environment for its users.
Despite the ongoing tensions, it is important to note that messaging functions on both Telegram and WhatsApp remain unaffected by the restrictions. The restrictions started in early August 2025, causing voice and video calls on these platforms to be partially blocked or severely degraded across Russia. This move follows ongoing tensions over encrypted communication and government demands for access and control over foreign digital services.
[1] Roskomnadzor official statement on the partial blocking of calls on Telegram and WhatsApp. [2] Digital Development Ministry statement on the potential restoration of calls if compliance with Russian law occurs. [3] State Duma statement aligning the crackdown with broader efforts to control digital communication and promote "digital sovereignty." [4] WhatsApp and Telegram's public criticism of the restrictions. [5] Report on the ongoing tensions over encrypted communication and government demands for access and control over foreign digital services.
- The Digital Development Ministry in Russia suggests that voice and video calls on Telegram and WhatsApp may be restored if these platforms comply with local laws, including establishing legal entities and cooperating with authorities, as part of the government's push for digital sovereignty and control over digital communication.
- Social-media platforms Telegram and WhatsApp have criticized the Russian government's decision to partially block voice and video calls on their platforms, with WhatsApp maintaining its dedication to secure communication and accusing Russia of promoting less secure, government-monitored platforms, while Telegram emphasizes its use of AI moderation and resistance to fraud and violence on the platform.
