Russia has partially banned voice and video calls on messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp.
The country’s telecom regulator, Roskomnadzor, stated that these platforms are being widely used for fraud, extortion, and terrorist activities.
This move is part of Russia’s broader effort to phase out Western messaging services and promote domestic alternatives.
As part of this shift, the Russian government has introduced its own messaging app, Max, which is integrated with government services. However, critics warn that it could become a tool for increased surveillance of citizens.
According to a report by The Kyiv Independent, Roskomnadzor claimed that WhatsApp and Telegram have become key tools for financial scams, blackmail, and for recruiting people into terrorism.
In response, the regulator has begun restricting voice and video call features on these apps.
The decision was reportedly supported by major telecom companies in Russia.
These operators had raised concerns over:
Rising equipment and maintenance costs
Increased mobile data traffic
Legal risks if they failed to block suspicious online activities
In June 2025, President Vladimir Putin signed a new law making Max Messenger a national digital platform, officially integrated with government systems.
While the government promotes it as a secure alternative, human rights organizations argue it could be misused to monitor users more closely.
Recently, Russian authorities have also increased internet shutdowns and slowdowns, especially to disrupt Ukrainian drone navigation.
During such events, citizens have been advised to switch to:
Wired internet
Wi-Fi networks
Offline maps
Cash transactions
These measures show a growing trend of tightening digital controls in Russia, especially during sensitive periods or conflicts.
