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Suspected Government Tests Disrupt WhatsApp and Telegram Calls in Russia
RUSSIA, AUG 11 – Russian authorities began testing selective blocking of WhatsApp and Telegram calls to promote domestic app Max and reduce reliance on Western services, with 10,800+ user complaints recorded.
- In early August 2025, Russian officials carried out tests aimed at restricting audio and video communication features on WhatsApp and Telegram throughout the country.
- These tests followed repeated calls from major Russian mobile operators since May to block such calls to reduce fraud and avoid outright app bans.
- Users reported thousands of complaints about call disruptions peaking mid-morning on August 11 amid widespread regional internet shutdowns and slowdowns.
- On June 24, President Vladimir Putin enacted a law establishing a nationwide digital system built around the Max messenger, a government-created app that connects with public services.
- The blocking tests and push for Max reflect ongoing efforts by Russian authorities to tighten control over digital communication and promote a sovereign internet.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Russia's authorities have finally decided to ban calls in the Vosap and Telegram, as reported by the TV channel Bloody Lady, journalist Xeniy Sobchak, with reference to sources in the telecommunications market.
Suspected Government Tests Disrupt WhatsApp and Telegram Calls in Russia
Users across Russia began reporting problems making voice and video calls via WhatsApp and Telegram on Sunday, according to online platforms that monitor the status of websites and services.
Russia reportedly tests blocking Telegram, WhatsApp calls amid internet clampdown
The suspected move comes as the Kremlin intensifies efforts to create what it calls a "sovereign internet" disconnected from global networks, trying to replace Western services with domestic ones.
The users of WhatsApp and Telegram from Russia complain about problems in the work of the messengers and the inability to make the call...
Read all the latest developments and news about the Russian war of aggression on Ukraine in the live ticker on ntv.de.
In Russia, they began to practice blocking calls on Telegram and WhatsApp. Over the weekend, another large-scale failure of these messengers was recorded. — Ukrinform.
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