Russian Telecom Regulator to Restrict Telegram and WhatsApp Calls
In Russia, the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications (Roskomnadzor) announced it will restrict voice calls on Telegram and WhatsApp in an effort to combat fraud and terrorist activities.
Reasons for the Restrictions
According to law enforcement agencies and numerous public complaints, the foreign messaging platforms Telegram and WhatsApp have become primary channels for:
- Scams and extortion
- Recruitment into sabotage operations
- Terrorist activities
Roskomnadzor has repeatedly issued demands to the companies behind these platforms to take action against such crimes, but these requests have gone unanswered.
Measures to Be Implemented
Based on law enforcement materials, partial call restrictions will be introduced in these messaging apps to counter criminal activity. Specifically:
- The restrictions apply only to voice calls
- All other Telegram and WhatsApp features will remain unchanged
Anti-Fraud System
Since 2024, Russia has operated an “Anti-Fraud” system that blocks calls with spoofed numbers in traditional telecom networks. As a result:
| Year Introduced | Outcome |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Blocking calls with spoofed numbers |
| After Implementation | Such calls migrated to foreign messaging apps |
The refusal of Telegram and WhatsApp operators to ensure the safety of Russian users has led to the introduction of these new measures.
What This Means for Users
For regular users, the restrictions will only be noticeable when attempting to make a voice call in these apps. Text messaging, photo and video sharing, and file transfers will continue to function without disruption.
Main Objective
The primary goal is to protect citizens from fraudulent calls and prevent recruitment into illegal activities through messaging platforms.
Conclusion
Roskomnadzor continues to combat fraud and other security threats using both technical tools and regulatory measures.
By maintaining access to all other app functions, the regulator aims to minimize inconvenience for users while enhancing protection against phone and online scams.