Russia Restricts WhatsApp, Telegram Voice Calls Over Data-Sharing Dispute

Russian authorities have imposed restrictions on voice calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, citing the platforms’ refusal to share user information with law enforcement in cases linked to fraud and terrorism.

The country’s communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, announced that the ban targets only the call functions, leaving messaging and other features unaffected. Officials said services would be fully restored once the companies comply with local data-sharing laws.

The decision deepens Moscow’s ongoing conflict with international tech firms, a standoff that has grown more intense since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Critics contend the measures are part of the Kremlin’s broader push for “digital sovereignty,” aimed at reducing reliance on foreign platforms in favour of domestic alternatives.

President Vladimir Putin has already approved plans for a state-integrated messaging service to replace foreign apps in sensitive communications.

Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, reiterated its stance on protecting user privacy, noting that its platform is end-to-end encrypted and not designed for government monitoring. Telegram maintained that it actively deletes millions of harmful posts each day, including those linked to violence and scams.

Reports indicate that Telegram voice calls have been largely inaccessible since 11 August, while WhatsApp calls suffer from severe audio disruptions, making them practically unusable.

Anton Gorelkin, deputy chairman of the State Duma’s IT committee, said the restrictions would remain until both companies set up legal entities in Russia and agree to cooperate directly with regulators and security agencies.

Meta was designated an “extremist organisation” in Russia in 2022, though WhatsApp had continued operating until now despite fines for hosting prohibited content.