Russia’s internet regulator imposed restrictions on voice calls across WhatsApp and Telegram, framing the move as a security measure against fraud, extortion, and alleged sabotage plots. The change affects tens of millions of users, with some also reporting disruption to video calls.
Officials say access could be restored if platforms comply with domestic data rules and provide law enforcement access upon request. Companies responded by defending encryption and moderation frameworks, warning that weakening protections erodes user privacy and safety.
What the regulator is demanding
Roskomnadzor said foreign messengers have become the main channels for scams and recruitment for unlawful acts. The agency stated that they ignored repeated requests for countermeasures and tied the restoration of call features to compliance with Russian legislation.
Authorities emphasized that the restrictions specifically target calls, not messaging. Yet early reports from users suggested that video calling reliability also degraded, raising questions about the scope and technical method of the curbs.
Did you know?
In 2018, Russia briefly tried to block Telegram nationwide, but the ban was lifted in 2020 after officials acknowledged the platform’s cooperation with anti-terror efforts.
How users and platforms are affected
Russia’s measures could disrupt daily communications for millions who rely on app calling to avoid traditional voice charges. Small businesses that use voice and video for sales and support face immediate friction during customer interactions.
WhatsApp asserted its commitment to secure communication and resistance to government overreach. Telegram said it removes large volumes of harmful content daily and actively counters calls for violence or sabotage.
The compliance dilemma
End-to-end encryption complicates lawful access demands because service providers typically cannot decrypt call content. Compliance often shifts to metadata, lawful intercept gateways, or device-level access, each with distinct privacy trade-offs.
Platforms face a choice between carving out jurisdiction-specific access and preserving a uniform global security baseline. Fragmentation risks creating weaker protections for users in markets with expansive surveillance powers.
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Domestic alternatives and policy trajectory
Authorities have promoted a homegrown messenger called Max as a compliant alternative. Critics argue a domestic solution could centralize user data and make oversight more opaque, while supporters say it enables faster responses to security threats.
The call restrictions align with broader steps since the invasion of Ukraine, including expanded liability for users accessing content deemed illicit. Together, these actions point to a more tightly controlled national internet environment.
What to watch next
Key signals include whether partial restoration occurs after technical adjustments by platforms and whether restrictions expand to text features. Monitoring court challenges and app store policies will also indicate how durable the measures become.
Security agencies may publish new guidance on acceptable moderation and data-handling practices. International responses from rights groups and tech coalitions could shape the reputational costs of deeper platform concessions.
The wider global context
Russia is not alone in pressing platforms for data access amid rising cybercrime and geopolitical tension. Governments worldwide are debating how to balance strong encryption with targeted lawful access.
The outcome in Russia could influence policy in other jurisdictions considering similar controls, setting a precedent for how encrypted services operate under national security frameworks.
Bottom line
App call restrictions mark a pivotal turn in Russia’s digital policy, blending fraud prevention with tighter state oversight. The next phase hinges on whether platforms craft compliance pathways without dismantling encryption and how far authorities push toward a state-preferred ecosystem.
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