Moscow Limits Foreign Messaging Apps
Russia has imposed restrictions on the messaging apps WhatsApp and Telegram, citing their alleged failure to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism investigations. The move comes as Moscow intensifies its efforts to assert control over the country’s digital space and reduce reliance on foreign-owned platforms.
As stated by Roskomnadzor, Russia’s communications watchdog, “Measures are being taken to partially limit calls on these foreign messengers. No other limitations have been placed on their operation.” The digital ministry further stated that calls would be completely accessible once the platforms are brought into line with Russian law.
Users have already begun reporting disruptions, Voice calls in Telegram have been struggling since August 11, and WhatsApp calls have intermittent sound and metallic buzzing, making them essentially unusable.
Push for a State-Backed Messaging App
The bans come with President Vladimir Putin’s approval of a government-sponsored messaging application, aiming to tie into government services. Analysts indicate Moscow is pursuing “digital sovereignty” to encourage indigenous platforms and restrict foreign influence, a plan critics contend could increase state censorship and surveillance.
Deputy chairman of the lower house IT committee, Anton Gorelkin, stressed that WhatsApp and Telegram need to open legal entities in Russia and interact with law enforcement to regain complete functionality. Meta, WhatsApp’s owner, was declared an extremist group in 2022, although the app itself still remained accessible despite earlier sanctions for not deleting content prohibited in Russia.
Platforms React and International Reactions
Meta came to WhatsApp’s defense, citing its end-to-end encryption and declaring, “Russia is attempting to block it for more than 100 million Russian users. We will keep safeguarding secure communication for people all around the world, including in Russia.”
Telegram also emphasized that it actively fights fraud, sabotage, and violence, deleting millions of toxic posts every day. Still, Moscow insists that the platforms refused repeated calls to stem illegal activity, leading to the partial restrictions.
Critics caution that Russia’s state-sponsored app might track user behavior, and some believe that slowing down speeds for WhatsApp would force people to switch to the domestic platform. Human Rights Watch commented that Russia’s expanding technological control permits broader internet censorship and monitoring.
The row illustrates Russia’s long-standing tensions with international technology firms, heightened since the 2022 Ukraine invasion. As Moscow promotes digital sovereignty, Russian users of WhatsApp and Telegram have a difficult environment to navigate, juggling communication needs against growing state censorship.
