On Wednesday, Russia’s communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, announced a series of restrictions on calls made through popular messaging applications WhatsApp and Telegram. This decision, reported by state media, is framed as a necessary measure to combat criminal activities within the country.
Regulatory Measures and Security Concerns
According to Roskomnadzor, these foreign messaging apps have increasingly become the primary channels for fraudulent activities, extortion, and the recruitment of individuals for subversive and terrorist actions. The agency emphasized that the measures are aimed at addressing the challenges posed by these platforms, which have been linked to various criminal enterprises.
Russian security services have frequently alleged that Ukraine utilizes Telegram for recruitment and sabotage efforts within Russia. In light of these claims, the government is seeking greater control over the data shared by these messaging services. The Russian authorities are calling for access to user data not only for fraud investigations but also for inquiries into activities deemed terrorist in nature.
The digital ministry of Russia indicated that the restrictions on calls would be lifted once the messaging platforms comply with local legislation. This stance underscores the ongoing tension between state security interests and the operational autonomy of foreign tech companies.
In response to the announcement, Telegram stated that it actively works to prevent misuse of its platform, including the promotion of violence and fraud. The company noted that it removes millions of harmful content pieces daily, reinforcing its commitment to user safety.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp, owned by Meta, expressed concerns regarding the implications of these restrictions. A spokesperson highlighted that WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption is designed to protect users’ rights to secure communication, suggesting that the Russian government’s actions may be an attempt to limit access to private messaging for over 100 million users in the country. The spokesperson warned that this could push users towards platforms that are more susceptible to government surveillance.
