WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, has accused Moscow of attempting to block secure communication for more than 100 million Russian users after authorities restricted voice and video calls on the messaging app.
The restrictions come as Russia pushes homegrown social media platforms and tightens control over its internet space, citing national security concerns.
Russia Restricts WhatsApp and Telegram Calls
On Wednesday, Russian authorities confirmed they had started limiting WhatsApp and Telegram calls, claiming the foreign-owned platforms failed to share information with law enforcement in cases involving fraud and terrorism.
For now, text messaging services and voice notes remain unaffected on WhatsApp.
Moscow’s Growing Dispute with Foreign Tech
The latest restrictions follow a years-long standoff between Russia and global tech giants, which escalated after the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Since then, Russia has:
- Banned Meta’s Facebook and Instagram
- Slowed the speed of YouTube, owned by Alphabet (Google)
- Issued hundreds of fines to companies that violated content and data storage rules
These measures are part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on Western technology and promote Russian-developed platforms.
WhatsApp Defends Encryption
In a statement on Wednesday, WhatsApp reaffirmed its commitment to end-to-end encryption, saying:
“WhatsApp is private, end-to-end encrypted, and defies government attempts to violate people’s right to secure communication, which is why Russia is trying to block it from over 100 million Russian people.”
The company vowed to keep encrypted services available in Russia, despite increasing government pressure.
The Bigger Picture: Internet Freedom Under Threat
Russia’s move to restrict WhatsApp and Telegram calls is the latest sign of tightening control over digital freedoms in the country. Analysts warn that such measures could further isolate Russian internet users from global communication networks while bolstering state-approved platforms.
