Why is Russia banning WhatsApp and Telegram calls now?

As of mid-August 2025, millions of Russians have faced new restrictions on calls made over WhatsApp and Telegram, two of the country's most popular messaging apps.

The clampdown coincides with the rollout of Max, a government-backed national messenger app designed to consolidate multiple digital services.

The restrictions, imposed by Russia's media regulator Roskomnadzor, target voice and video calls through WhatsApp and Telegram, citing concerns over data storage, national security, and alleged misuse by scammers.

Despite these claims, WhatsApp and Telegram users benefit from end-to-end encryption, which ensures no third party can access their messages or calls.

Restrictions on WhatsApp and Telegram calls

WhatsApp and Telegram remain widely used across Russia, with monthly active users estimated at 97 million and 90 million, respectively, in a population of 143 million.

They are integral to everyday life, from personal chats to business coordination, especially in remote areas with poor mobile internet.

Authorities accuse the apps of failing to store user data in Russian territory, violating local laws.

This fuels official narratives of national security risks as well as facilitating fraud. However, data from Russia’s Central Bank reveals most scams happen on regular mobile networks, not encrypted apps.

Did you know?
The Max app, promoted as Russia's national messenger, is pre-installed on all new devices sold in Russia since September 1, 2025.

The Max app and Kremlin’s internet control

Max, launched by VK and backed by Gazprom, the Kremlin-linked energy giant, represents Russia’s answer to the growing influence of foreign messaging platforms.

Since September 1, all new devices sold in Russia must come pre-installed with Max, underscoring the state's intent to centralize digital communications.

The app aims to bundle services such as government digital portals, banking, and emergency alerts, similar in concept to China’s WeChat.

However, Max's privacy policy allows it to share user data with government agencies, sparking concerns over censorship and surveillance.

Internet blackouts and digital surveillance

The crackdown on WhatsApp and Telegram calls is part of a wider trend of internet restrictions in Russia. Over the summer, widespread mobile internet blackouts have hit regions across the country, particularly near the Ukraine border, purportedly to thwart drone attacks and protect infrastructure.

Experts question the effectiveness of blackouts but acknowledge the difficulty of countering threats with limited resources. Legal measures also increase, prohibiting SIM card sharing and compelling users to register mobiles with national IDs, enabling close state monitoring of communications.

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Life under digital repression

For many Russians, the loss of reliable access to WhatsApp and Telegram calls disrupts social, professional, and commercial activities. Although alternative apps and VPNs are available, using them has become increasingly risky due to tightening laws.

Max's proposal for a mandatory platform foreshadows a future of centralized and surveilled digital communication, leading to a reduction in freedom and an increase in state control.

The Kremlin’s internet policies reflect an ongoing battle to suppress dissent and manage information flow, mirroring tactics seen in other authoritarian regimes.

This evolving landscape marks a critical moment in Russia’s digital era, where connectivity is shaped as much by government control as by technology.