Russia Blocks WhatsApp and Telegram Calls Over Encryption Dispute

Russia Blocks WhatsApp, Telegram Voice Calls

Russian authorities have partially restricted voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, effective August 11, citing the platforms’ refusal to cooperate with law enforcement on fraud and terrorism investigations. The move escalates Moscow’s longstanding campaign for “digital sovereignty” amid its invasion of Ukraine.

Communications regulator Roskomnadzor confirmed the restrictions target only voice calls, not messaging or other functions, after users reported Telegram calls “barely functioning” and WhatsApp calls producing distorted audio or metallic buzzing. The agency claims foreign messengers facilitate “fraud, extortion, sabotage, and terrorist activities,” with up to 40% of calls allegedly linked to criminal operations, many originating abroad.

Compliance Demands and Platform Responses

Russia’s Digital Development Ministry stated restrictions would lift if WhatsApp and Telegram comply with national laws, including:

  • Establishing legal entities in Russia

  • Storing user data locally

  • Sharing information with security agencies upon request

WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, denounced the move, stating: “WhatsApp is private, end-to-end encrypted, and defies government attempts to violate people’s right to secure communication. We’ll keep encrypted communication available everywhere, including Russia”. Telegram noted its AI moderation removes “millions of harmful messages daily,” but didn’t address compliance demands.

Broader Crackdown and Surveillance Fears

The restrictions align with Russia’s push to replace foreign tech with domestic alternatives. President Vladimir Putin recently greenlit “MAX,” a state-backed messaging app integrated with government services. Lawmakers have openly urged WhatsApp to “prepare to leave the market,” labeling its presence a “national security breach”.

Digital rights advocates warn that the call blocks preview expanded censorship. “Russia is increasing control over internet infrastructure to throttle unwanted sites and bypass tools,” said a Human Rights Watch analyst. Critics fear MAX could enable unprecedented surveillance, especially if authorities deliberately slow WhatsApp to force migration.

User Impact and Legal Context

With 97.6 million Russian WhatsApp users and 90.9 million on Telegram, the disruptions affect critical communication channels. The move follows Russia’s 2022 designation of Meta as an “extremist organization” (though WhatsApp remained operational) and its 2024 “Antifraud” system that blocked spoofed calls on traditional networks, pushing scammers toward messengers.

Deputy lawmaker Anton Gorelkin framed the restrictions as “protecting citizens,” given rising messenger-based crimes. Interior Ministry data cites 300–400 weekly crimes linked to WhatsApp and Telegram, versus none involving MAX.

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