Russia Restricts Telegram And WhatsApp Calls, Says There Was A Violation Of The Law

Whatsapp illustration in Russian (photo: x @TodayCyberNews)

JAKARTA Russia has begun to limit several calls on messaging applications Telegram and WhatsApp. The Russian Ministry of Digital Development stated that these foreign platforms failed to share information with law enforcement regarding cases of fraud and terrorism in this red bear country.

Disputes between Russia and foreign technology platforms have been going on for several years, mainly related to content and data storage. This conflict escalated after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Critics argue that Russia's actions aim to expand its control of the country's internet space.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved the development of state-made messaging applications that are integrated with government services. This step is referred to as Moscow's efforts to build "digital sovereignty" by promoting domestic services and reducing dependence on foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram.

"To fight criminals... we are taking steps to limit some of the calls in this foreign messaging app," Roskomnadzor, Russia's communications regulator, was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency. "No other restrictions are imposed on their functionality."

WhatsApp owners, Meta Platforms, and Telegram have not responded to requests for comment.

However, Telegram told the daily RBC Russia that it rejected calls for violence and fraud on its platform. They also added that moderators use AI tools to monitor the public part of the platform and remove millions of malicious messages every day.

Reuters reporters confirmed the existence of these restrictions. Since August 11, voice calls on Telegram have barely worked, while WhatsApp calls are unlikely due to intermittent voices and metallic booms.

The Ministry of Digital Development said Telegram and WhatsApp had ignored repeated requests to take action to stop the use of their platforms for activities such as fraud and terrorism.

Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the parliament's lower house of information technology committee, stated that this blocking act, which only applies to calls, would be repealed if the platforms comply with Russian law. This compliance includes establishing a legal entity in Russia, complying with all Russian laws unconditionally, and working closely with Roskomnadzor and law enforcement agencies.

In 2022, Meta was designated as an extremist organization by Moscow, but WhatsApp, widely used in Russia, was allowed to remain operational. This messaging application has received several sanctions for failing to remove information banned by Russia.

Last month, Gorelkin said that WhatsApp should be "ready to leave the market." Other lawmakers even described WhatsApp's presence on the Russian market as a national security breach.

Critics voiced concerns that a new Russian government-made messaging app could track its users' activities. They also suspect that Russia may be slowing down WhatsApp's speed for users to switch to the new platform.

Human Rights Watch in its report last month stated that the Russian government is increasing its technological capacity and control over the country's internet infrastructure. This allows wider blocking and restrictions on unwanted websites as well as tools to avoid censorship.