Her telecommunications regulatory authority RussiaRoskomnadzor, announced on Wednesday (13.08.2025) measures that limit certain call features in Telegram and WhatsAppaccording to the Interfax News Agency.
Last month, President Vladimir Putin signed a law that enables the development of a state -supported application of messaging, integrated into government services. Aim, to reduce country dependence on foreign platforms such as Whatsapp and Telegram.
Russia has been seeking for years to strengthen what it calls “digital domination” by developing domestic services. This strategy was intensified after several western companies departed from the Russian market after the invasion of Ukraine.
According to Roskomnadzor, these restrictions aim to limit the use of calls by “criminals” through these foreign messaging services. The Authority assures that no other function of the two applications is affected.
Roskomnadzor also accuses companies that manage Telegram and WhatsApp of having repeatedly ignored demands to prevent their platforms in activities such as blackmail and terrorism.
Meta representatives, owner of WhatsApp and Telegram, did not respond immediately to requests to comment on the announcement.