WhatsApp has accused Moscow of attempting to block millions of Russians from accessing secure communication after authorities restricted calls on the messaging app. The move comes as Russia promotes homegrown social media platforms and tightens its grip on the country’s internet space. On Wednesday, Russian officials confirmed restrictions on some WhatsApp and Telegram calls, alleging that the foreign-owned platforms failed to cooperate with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism investigations. However, text messaging and voice notes remain unaffected.
The crackdown on foreign tech services has escalated since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Authorities have already banned Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, slowed access to YouTube, and imposed hefty fines on platforms that refuse to comply with local data storage and content laws. WhatsApp criticized the latest restrictions, stating, “WhatsApp is private, end-to-end encrypted, and defies government attempts to violate people’s right to secure communication.” The company vowed to continue fighting for encrypted messaging access in Russia, where it has over 100 million users.
Telegram, another popular messaging app, defended its efforts to combat misuse of its platform. The company said its moderators use AI tools to monitor public channels, removing millions of malicious messages daily. “Telegram actively combats harmful use of its platform, including calls for sabotage, violence, and fraud,” a spokesperson said. Despite the restrictions, both WhatsApp and Telegram remain widely used in Russia, with Mediascope data showing WhatsApp reaching 97.3 million users monthly, compared to Telegram’s 90.8 million.
Russia’s push for digital sovereignty has led to the rise of state-backed alternatives like VK Messenger, which currently ranks third with 17.9 million users. With a population exceeding 140 million, Russia’s internet landscape is increasingly fragmented as authorities seek to reduce reliance on foreign platforms. The latest restrictions highlight the ongoing tension between global tech firms and the Kremlin’s efforts to enforce stricter online controls.