Roskomnadzor Says It Is Restricting WhatsApp, Telegram Calls
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
Roskomnadzor Says It Is Restricting WhatsApp, Telegram Calls
Russia’s state communications watchdog Roskomnadzor confirmed Wednesday that it is restricting voice and video calls on WhatsApp and Telegram. The state-run news agency called it an anti-fraud measure to protect citizens. The Moscow Times has managed to make calls to Russian users through the messengers without issue.
“Calls on these foreign messaging platforms are partially restricted to counter criminal activity,” the state-run news agency quoted Roskomnadzor as saying in a statement. “Nearly all such fraudulent calls have shifted to foreign messengers, which refuse to ensure the safety of Russian users.”
On Sunday, Russians across the country began reporting problems making voice and video calls via WhatsApp and Telegram. However, it was not immediately clear how widespread the disruptions were, as The Moscow Times has managed to make calls to Russian users in various regions through the messengers without issue.
Roskomnadzor’s statement confirmed early reports that the Russian government was “selectively blocking” calls on the two messaging platforms, which allegedly began at the start of August.
According to the state watchdog, WhatsApp and Telegram have become the primary channels for call-based scams, extortion and recruitment into acts of terrorism and sabotage over the past year. Russia’s Digital Development Ministry said calls on the messaging apps could be restored if they comply with Russian law.
“No other functions of these apps are being limited,” Roskomnadzor was quoted as saying by TASS.
Russian authorities announce ‘partial restriction’ on WhatsApp and Telegram calls — Meduza
Russia is “partially restricting’ calls on the messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp. The move is to combat criminal activity, the country’s federal censor, Roskomnadzor, says. The Digital Development Ministry says calls will be restored once the services comply with Russian law.
Citing law enforcement data and citizen complaints, Roskomnadzor claimed the two apps “have become the main voice services used to scam and extort money from Russians, as well as to recruit them for sabotage attacks and terrorist activities.” The watchdog said the companies behind the messengers ignored demands to “take countermeasures.”
“We inform you that, in order to combat criminals and based on law enforcement materials, measures are being taken to partially restricted calls on these foreign messaging apps. No other functions are being restricted,” the agency said.
The Digital Development Ministry, for its part, said calls on Telegram and WhatsApp will be restored once the services comply with Russian law. The ministry argued that restricting calls in these apps will help reduce the number of scam calls.