Russian authorities have taken a significant step in their ongoing efforts to regulate internet communications by announcing partial restrictions on calls made through popular messaging applications Telegram and WhatsApp. This move, articulated by the government media and internet regulator Roskomnadzor, is framed as a necessary measure to combat crime, citing concerns from law enforcement and citizens alike. The regulator claims that these foreign messaging services have become primary tools for deception, extortion, and even involvement in sabotage and terrorist activities.
Government Justifications and Historical Context
Roskomnadzor has expressed frustration over what it describes as the owners of these platforms ignoring repeated requests for countermeasures against misuse. This latest action is part of a broader strategy by Russian authorities to impose stricter controls over the internet, which has included the adoption of restrictive laws and the banning of non-compliant websites and platforms. Over the years, the government has refined its technology to monitor and manipulate online traffic, making it increasingly challenging for users to circumvent these restrictions, even with the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), which are also routinely blocked.
In recent months, internet access has been further curtailed, particularly during the summer, when widespread shutdowns of cellphone internet connections were implemented. While officials claimed these measures were necessary to prevent Ukrainian drone attacks, many experts viewed them as additional steps toward tightening internet control.
Impact on Users and New Developments
Reports of disrupted calls on WhatsApp and Telegram surfaced earlier this week, with users experiencing difficulties in connecting or hearing each other. According to Mediascope, a Russian media monitoring service, WhatsApp was the most popular messaging platform in Russia as of July, boasting over 96 million monthly users, while Telegram closely followed with more than 89 million users.
In Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow in 2014, local officials indicated that cellphone internet shutdowns might persist indefinitely. Recently, the government enacted a law penalizing users for searching for content deemed illicit, further tightening the grip on digital communications. There are also plans to introduce a new “national” messaging app, MAX, developed by VK, a Russian social media company, which is expected to be heavily monitored.
Despite the challenges, both Telegram and WhatsApp have previously navigated confrontations with Russian authorities. The Kremlin’s attempts to block Telegram between 2018 and 2020 ultimately failed. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, major social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram were blocked, and their parent company, Meta, was labeled extremist. In a recent statement, lawmaker Anton Gorelkin suggested that WhatsApp might need to prepare for a departure from the Russian market, with MAX positioned as a potential replacement.
Future Prospects
The Digital Development and Communications Ministry has indicated that access to calls via WhatsApp and Telegram could be restored if the platforms comply with Russian legislation. It is important to note that the current restrictions only apply to audio calls, leaving room for potential adjustments in the future.
