Flash decision from Russia: Restrictions on WhatsApp and Telegram calls

The transition from global messaging platforms to domestic alternatives is accelerating in Russia. The country has partially restricted calls made via WhatsApp and Telegram for security and anti-fraud reasons.

"In line with the work of law enforcement agencies to combat criminals, we inform you that measures have been taken to partially restrict calls on these foreign messaging apps. No other restrictions on their functionality are being imposed," Russia's Federal Agency for Supervision of Information Technology and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor) said in a statement.

Roskomnadzor stressed that the restriction applies only to voice calls, with no changes made to messaging or other features.

On the other hand, it was reported that the national messaging application MAX, which was recently launched in Russia, has quickly become used, especially in public institutions and official correspondence.