Russia’s ongoing efforts to regulate its digital landscape have taken a significant turn, as the government has imposed restrictions on voice calls made through popular messaging applications, WhatsApp and Telegram. This latest initiative is part of a broader strategy to tighten control over the internet amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Impact on Users
The restrictions are poised to affect a substantial user base, with WhatsApp boasting approximately 96 million monthly users and Telegram having over 89 million in Russia, according to data from Mediascope, a local media monitoring service. The Russian media and internet regulator, Roskomnadzor, has framed this measure as a necessary step in combating crime, citing concerns raised by law enforcement agencies and citizens alike.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Roskomnadzor claimed that foreign messaging services such as Telegram and WhatsApp have become primary platforms for criminal activities, including deception, extortion, and even involvement in sabotage and terrorist acts. The regulator expressed frustration over the perceived inaction of these companies in addressing these issues, stating, “Repeated requests to take countermeasures have been ignored by the owners of the messengers.”
Compliance and Data Access
As part of the new regulations, Moscow has indicated that access to voice calls on these platforms will be restored only when they comply with Russian laws, which include providing user data to law enforcement upon request. While officials have specified that the restrictions apply solely to voice calls, users have reported disruptions to video calls as well.
This move is part of a broader trend observed since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, during which the government has increasingly sought to assert control over the Russian segment of the internet. Security services have frequently alleged that Ukraine has utilized Telegram for recruitment and sabotage activities within Russia.
Legislative Developments
In addition to the recent restrictions, the Russian government enacted a law last month that penalizes online users for searching content deemed illicit by authorities. Furthermore, there are plans to promote a domestic messaging application called Max, which critics argue could facilitate greater governmental access to user data.
In response to the restrictions, a spokesperson for WhatsApp emphasized the app’s commitment to protecting users’ rights to secure communication, stating, “Russia is trying to block it from over 100 million Russian people.” Telegram, on the other hand, defended its platform by highlighting its proactive measures against misuse, asserting that it actively combats calls for sabotage and violence, as well as fraud, and removes millions of harmful content pieces daily.
Despite its origins in Russia, Telegram has faced ongoing scrutiny in various countries, including its home nation, for not doing enough to curb criminal activity on its platform. As the digital landscape continues to evolve under the weight of geopolitical tensions, the future of these messaging services in Russia remains uncertain.
