Russia: Restrictions Imposed on Telegram and WhatsApp

The Russian communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, has announced restrictions on certain calls on the Telegram and WhatsApp messaging applications, according to the Russian news agency Interfax.

This move follows the signing of a law by President Vladimir Putin allowing the development of a state-supported messaging application integrated into government services.

Russia seeks to reduce its dependence on foreign platforms and consolidate its digital sovereignty by promoting domestic services, especially after Western companies withdrew following the invasion of Ukraine.

Roskomnadzor stated that the restrictions aim to address criminal activities and that the owning companies of the applications have repeatedly ignored requests to take measures against the use of their platforms for extortion and terrorism.

Representatives of Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp and Telegram, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Source: AΠΕ-ΜΠΕ-Reuters-AFP