Russia starts restricting some calls on Telegram and WhatsApp, Interfax says
- Russia has begun restricting some Telegram and WhatsApp calls, citing failures to cooperate in fraud and terrorism investigations, according to the digital development ministry.
- President Vladimir Putin has authorized the creation of a state-backed messaging app to promote digital sovereignty and reduce reliance on foreign platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.
- Roskomnadzor stated that if Telegram and WhatsApp comply with Russian law, the restrictions on calls would be lifted.
- A WhatsApp spokesperson expressed concerns that the blocking aims to infringe on secure communication rights for over 100 million Russian users.
208 Articles
208 Articles
Russia curbs WhatsApp, Telegram app calls; pushes for homegrown platforms
Russia has moved to limit voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram. It's accusing the services of refusing to share data with authorities in cases involving fraud, sabotage and terrorism. Roskomnadzor, the state telecom regulator, said scams have shifted to these platforms after earlier measures stopped spoofed calls on traditional phone networks. Interfax reported that Roskomnadzor said the restrictions apply only to voice calls — not to text messa…
Russia announced on Wednesday restrictions on calls in WhatsApp and Telegram messaging applications, arguing that the measure is necessary to combat crime, state media reported. "In order to combat criminals, measures are being taken to partially restrict calls in these foreign messaging applications (WhatsApp and Telegram)," said communications control agency Roskomnadzor, quoted by the RIA and TASS news agencies. Messaging applications have be…
Russia restricts WhatsApp and Telegram features after refusal to hand over user data
Roskomnadzor, Russia's media and internet regulator, said that "in order to counteract criminals," measures were being taken to restrict voice calls on the messaging services. The agency added that "No other restrictions have been imposed on their functionality," though that may not be true.Read Entire Article
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