Russia restricts audio calls on WhatsApp and Telegram

Russian authorities expand online controls by partially blocking audio calls on WhatsApp and Telegram as part of a broader effort to tighten internet regulation.

Russia tightens internet controls by restricting calls on WhatsApp and Telegram

Roskomnadzor announced a partial restriction on audio calls in WhatsApp and Telegram, framing the move as a crime-fighting measure based on input from law enforcement and public appeals. The regulator said the change targets calls that have been used to deceive and extort money, and to involve Russians in sabotage and terrorist activities. There was no immediate comment from WhatsApp or Telegram about the policy.

The decision fits a longer arc of internet control in Russia. Authorities have floated a white list approach to essential sites and services, promoted MAX as a national messaging platform, and carried out periodic cellphone shutdowns. Russia has previously blocked major social networks and fined or banned foreign platforms that do not comply with local rules. While VPNs can sometimes bypass blocks, they are frequently restricted too.

The move signals a shift from blocking access to shaping how people communicate inside apps. It uses the language of security and public order to justify increased oversight of private messaging. That framing risks normalizing surveillance and can complicate everyday digital life for users who rely on secure, encrypted communication.

Beyond individual users, the policy could affect tech firms, foreign investors, and international partners. If the state can limit core features like audio calls, the incentive for platforms to comply with local demands grows, potentially curbing innovation and increasing regulatory risk for global services operating in Russia.

Highlights

The internet is changing shapes under state pressure, and users will feel the first lines in their daily conversations.