Overview

• On August 13, the Russian internet regulator announced partial restrictions on voice calls made through WhatsApp and Telegram to combat fraud, extortion and terrorism.
• Users across Russia reported widespread audio-call failures and some video interruptions, affecting roughly 97 million WhatsApp and 89 million Telegram monthly users.
• WhatsApp’s parent company Meta and Telegram issued statements defending their encryption practices and highlighting their efforts to remove harmful content.
• The Ministry of Digital Development said full call access will be restored once the messaging services comply with Russian data and cooperation requirements.
• The measure advances the Kremlin’s digital sovereignty strategy alongside VPN and mobile internet blocks and the push for a state-linked MAX messaging app.