Overview
- Crimea-based telecom operator Volna said access to Telegram and WhatsApp is partially limited for users on the peninsula.
- Volna attributed the restrictions to Roskomnadzor, saying the regulator is applying blocking measures that affect subscribers of all operators and providers across Russia.
- Roskomnadzor has described the limits as a security response to criminal activity including scams, extortion and efforts to enlist people for sabotage or terrorist acts.
- The Crimean Ministry of Information urged residents to download the Max messenger, highlighting official and media channels available there.
- Coverage notes WhatsApp belongs to Meta, and that Meta’s Facebook and Instagram are banned in Russia as extremist organizations.