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Russia restricts calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, the latest step to control the internet

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Squabbling Call Why Russia Has Restricted Calls Messenger

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Russia partially restricts calls in Telegram and WhatsApp messengers  watchdog

Al Jazeera

Russia restricts calls on WhatsApp, Telegram as internet control tightens

Reuters

Russia Restricts Telegram Whatsapp Calls Citing Law Breaches 2025 08 13

The Guardian

Russia clamps down on WhatsApp and Telegram over data sharing

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Russia Imposes Curbs On WhatsApp, Telegram Calls

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Russian Regulators Restrict WhatsApp, Telegram In Latest Internet Crackdown

Politico

WhatsApp to Putin: Back off!

TACC

      Telegram  WhatsApp

Restriction of calls in Telegram, WhatsApp needed for safety of citizens  Public Chamber

The Independent

WhatsApp says Russia is trying to ban its service for 100 million people

Metaculus

Meta Reports 1B Active Users by 2031

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"There is very little chance that FB is required to be broken up, as we expect the FTC to lose the case."

"If the FTC is successful, Meta may be forced to divest two of its largest brands."

"If Meta is found guilty of violating antitrust laws, it could be forced to divest its subsidiaries or restructure the business."

"Meta could be forced to sell off IG and WhatsApp if the FTC wins the trial."

The antitrust lawsuit against Facebook "could force it to sell off Instagram and WhatsApp."

"Mark Zuckerberg might have to kiss Instagram and WhatsApp goodbye."

Will Meta Be Broken Up?

Russian media regulator Roskomnadzor announced on Wednesday that it was partially restricting voice calls on messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp, citing their use in criminal activities, including fraud and terrorism.

Russian media regulator Roskomnadzor announced on Wednesday that it was partially restricting voice calls on messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp, citing their use in criminal activities, including fraud and terrorism.

Roskomnadzor stated that foreign messengers have become the main voice services used to deceive and extort money and involve Russian citizens in sabotage and terrorist activities, with repeated requests ignored.

Roskomnadzor stated that foreign messengers have become the main voice services used to deceive and extort money and involve Russian citizens in sabotage and terrorist activities, with repeated requests ignored.

The Digital Development and Communications Ministry clarified that access to calls via WhatsApp and Telegram may be reinstated if the platforms comply with Russian legislation, with restrictions applying only to audio calls.

The Digital Development and Communications Ministry clarified that access to calls via WhatsApp and Telegram may be reinstated if the platforms comply with Russian legislation, with restrictions applying only to audio calls.

WhatsApp responded that the encrypted messaging app "defies government attempts to violate people's right to secure communication," while Telegram said it "actively combats" misuse, including fraud and violence.

WhatsApp on X

WhatsApp responded that the encrypted messaging app "defies government attempts to violate people's right to secure communication," while Telegram said it "actively combats" misuse, including fraud and violence.

According to Russian media monitoring service Mediascope, WhatsApp had over 96 million monthly users in Russia as of July, while Telegram had more than 89 million users.

Fox 59

According to Russian media monitoring service Mediascope, WhatsApp had over 96 million monthly users in Russia as of July, while Telegram had more than 89 million users.

Russia has been developing a domestic messaging app called MAX, created by Russian social media company VK, which will share user data with authorities upon request and is being promoted as a replacement.

Russia has been developing a domestic messaging app called MAX, created by Russian social media company VK, which will share user data with authorities upon request and is being promoted as a replacement.

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According to Russian media monitoring service Mediascope, WhatsApp had over 96 million monthly users in Russia as of July, while Telegram had more than 89 million users, making them the most popular messaging platforms.</span

Fox 59 #

According to Russian media monitoring service Mediascope, WhatsApp had over 96 million monthly users in Russia as of July, while Telegram had more than 89 million users, making them the most popular messaging platforms.

Roskomnadzor stated that foreign messengers have become the main voice services used to deceive and extort money and involve Russian citizens in sabotage and terrorist activities, with repeated requests ignored.</span

The Digital Development and Communications Ministry clarified that access to calls via WhatsApp and Telegram may be reinstated if the platforms comply with Russian legislation, with restrictions applying only to audio calls.</span

Russia has been developing a domestic messaging app called MAX, created by Russian social media company VK, which will share user data with authorities upon request and is being promoted as a replacement.</span

WhatsApp responded that the encrypted messaging app defies government attempts to violate people's right to secure communication, while Telegram said it actively combats misuse including fraud and violence.</span

WhatsApp responded that the encrypted messaging app defies government attempts to violate people's right to secure communication, while Telegram said it actively combats misuse including fraud and violence.

This represents another step in Russia's broader effort to control internet communications and force users onto state-monitored platforms. The restrictions target encrypted messaging that protects citizens' privacy rights and secure communications from government surveillance.

This represents another step in Russia's broader effort to control internet communications and force users onto state-monitored platforms. The restrictions target encrypted messaging that protects citizens' privacy rights and secure communications from government surveillance.

Russia Restricts Calls Via Whatsapp And Telegram The Latest Step To Control The Internet

Russia Restricts WhatsApp, Telegram Calls Citing Crime

Freedom of speech & expression

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Russia

Headlines

These restrictions are essential for protecting Russian citizens from rampant criminal activity. Up to 40% of messenger calls are made by scammers, with 70% originating from abroad. Meanwhile, foreign platforms often ignore law enforcement requests and refuse to cooperate with authorities.

These restrictions are essential for protecting Russian citizens from rampant criminal activity. Up to 40% of messenger calls are made by scammers, with 70% originating from abroad. Meanwhile, foreign platforms often ignore law enforcement requests and refuse to cooperate with authorities.

There's a 21% chance that Meta will report 1 billion active users by Dec. 31, 2031, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

There's a 21% chance that Meta will report 1 billion active users by Dec. 31, 2031, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/Getty Images

Russia Restricts WhatsApp, Telegram Calls

Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/Getty Images

Russia Restricts WhatsApp, Telegram Calls

Russia Restricts WhatsApp, Telegram Calls

Russia Restricts WhatsApp, Telegram Calls Citing Crime

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Russia Restricts WhatsApp, Telegram Calls

Russia Restricts WhatsApp, Telegram Calls Citing Crime

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Liebergall

Nawfal

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