Russia has moved to restrict voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, in what officials say is a measure to curb crime and sabotage.
The decision, announced on August 14, 2025, impacts millions of users and adds to Moscow’s growing control over the country’s internet space during the ongoing war in Ukraine.
According to Russian media measurement service Mediascope, WhatsApp has about 96 million monthly users in Russia, while Telegram is used by more than 89 million.
The ban on calls affects both platforms nationwide, with early reports suggesting that not only voice calls but also video calls are experiencing disruptions.
Moscow Says WhatsApp and Telegram Calls Used for Crime
In a statement, Russia’s communications and internet regulator, Roskomnadzor, said the restrictions were based on input from law enforcement agencies and citizen complaints. Officials claim WhatsApp and Telegram have become primary tools for scams, extortion, and recruiting Russian citizens into sabotage and terrorist activities.
“According to law enforcement agencies and numerous appeals from citizens, foreign messengers Telegram and WhatsApp have become the main voice services used to deceive and extort money, and to involve Russian citizens in sabotage and terrorist activities,” Roskomnadzor said.
The regulator added that repeated requests to both companies to take countermeasures against these alleged abuses have been ignored. Moscow is now demanding that messaging platforms provide access to user data upon request from law enforcement.
Russia Demands Compliance With Local Laws
Roskomnadzor made it clear that the restrictions are not permanent if WhatsApp and Telegram agree to comply with Russian legislation, call access could be restored. Compliance would involve providing Russian authorities with user data when officially requested, as well as possibly implementing monitoring systems for illegal activity.
Also Read: OpenAI Models Now on AWS: Build Powerful AI Apps Like Never Before
“Access to calls in foreign messengers will be restored after they start complying with Russian legislation,” the agency stated.
While the official announcement targeted only voice calls, users in Russia are reporting that video calls are also affected. This disruption is raising concerns that the measures could be extended to other communication features in the future.
Crackdown on Internet Freedom Intensifies
The restrictions on WhatsApp and Telegram come as part of a broader campaign by the Kremlin to increase its control over the Russian segment of the internet.
Since the start of its full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has introduced numerous laws and technical measures to monitor, block, or replace online platforms it views as a threat.
Security agencies have repeatedly claimed that Ukraine uses Telegram to recruit volunteers for sabotage missions and spread anti government propaganda inside Russia. Similar accusations have now been extended to WhatsApp, which is owned by US based tech giant Meta.
Last month, Russia passed a new law making it illegal to search for content that the government deems illicit. Citizens found violating the law could face fines or other penalties.
The law adds to an existing set of strict digital regulations that also target VPN use and social media platforms.
Plans for a Domestic Messaging App
As foreign platforms come under increasing pressure, Russian authorities are promoting a domestic alternative called “Max.” The app, still in development, is expected to replace WhatsApp and Telegram for both private and business communication in Russia.
Critics warn that Max could give the government full access to private user data, enabling deep surveillance of conversations and activities.
Opposition figures have compared the plan to China’s approach, where government-approved apps operate under strict censorship and monitoring.
Impact on Users and Communication
The new restrictions on WhatsApp and Telegram could disrupt daily life for millions of Russians who rely on these apps for both personal and professional communication.
Many users prefer these platforms over traditional phone calls because of their encrypted messaging and low cost international communication.
With video calls also being affected, businesses that use these tools for remote meetings could face operational challenges.
Ordinary citizens may also turn to VPNs and other workarounds to bypass the restrictions, although using such tools has also been targeted by Russian authorities.
International Reaction and Concerns
The decision to restrict calls has sparked concerns among digital rights groups and international observers.
They argue that the move is another step in Russia’s long-term plan to isolate its internet from the global network, sometimes referred to as the “sovereign internet” strategy.
By pushing foreign platforms out and replacing them with state controlled services, critics say Russia is not only limiting free speech but also creating an environment where the government has unprecedented control over citizens’ communication.
The Road Ahead
For now, Russian users of WhatsApp and Telegram will have to rely on text based communication or seek alternative services that are not yet restricted.
However, given the pace of Moscow’s digital clampdown, it is possible that more foreign platforms will face similar restrictions in the near future.
The Russian government has made it clear that access to these services depends on compliance with its laws, including providing law enforcement with access to user data.
Unless WhatsApp and Telegram agree to these demands, the ban on voice and video calls is likely to remain in place.
The case highlights the growing tension between governments and global tech companies over user privacy, national security, and freedom of communication.
As Russia moves forward with its internet isolation strategy, millions of its citizens are caught between security claims by the state and the desire to maintain private, secure connections with the outside world.
