Russia Introduces Partial Restrictions on Calls in WhatsApp and Telegram

• The restrictions only apply to calls in the messaging apps.
• The authorities claim that platforms are being used for fraud.
• A launch of a new national messaging app MAX is planned.

Russian authorities have announced partial restrictions on calls in the messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp. This decision was made with the aim of combating criminal activities, in line with a statement from the federal regulatory body Roskomnadzor.

According to information provided by law enforcement agencies, messaging apps have become the main tools for fraud and recruiting individuals for terrorist acts. The government has specified that companies developing these platforms were required to request permission for the use of encryption.

Roskomnadzor reported that the restrictions only apply to calls, while other functions of the messaging apps remain accessible. The Ministry of Digital Development of Russia added that calls in these apps will be disabled when they comply with Russian legislation.

These changes are part of a broader campaign to control the Internet in Russia, which includes the adoption of restrictive laws and blocking platforms that do not comply with the state. In the case of Telegram, there were attempts to block it, but this effort did not succeed.

According to data from the media service Mediascope, WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app in Russia with 96 million users, while Telegram has over 89 million users. In July of this year, a Russian deputy indicated that WhatsApp could leave the Russian market, and in its place, a new national messaging app called MAX is planned to be introduced.

MAX, which is advertised as a universal add-on for exchanging messages and other services, is currently undergoing beta testing, but has not yet gained popularity.

Tags: Russia/Politics/Technology