Russia announces restrictions on Telegram and WhatsApp calls to strengthen digital security

Published at: 14/08/2025 09:16 AM

Last Wednesday, the Federal Communications Supervision Service of the Russian Federation partially limited the operation of calls through the Telegram and WhatsApp applications.

For its part, the Ministry of Digital Development reported that the application of restrictions are a security measure in response to the increase in online fraud.

The information security expert, Elena Zinovieva, said that the restrictions on calls on Telegram and WhatsApp in Russia represent support for strengthening Russia's sovereignty and digital security. In turn, he explained that this action will significantly reduce the activity of telephone scammers.

In this regard, he explained that this measure is against telephone scammers, who actively use platforms to extort money and involve innocent people in illegal activities, according to a press release.

Therefore, the also professor at the Moscow Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed that the national platform “Max” can take the place of Telegram and Whatsapp.

“In addition to the fight against fraud, these restrictions can be considered a response to Western sanctions and to the West's hybrid war against Russia, which is also being waged in the digital and informational spheres,” he added.

Mazo News Team