Russia partially restricts WhatsApp and Telegram calls, accusing them of being used for blackmail and terrorism
Russian authorities have announced that they will restrict some of the calling features of the messaging apps WhatsApp and Telegram, which are reportedly being used to recruit Russian citizens into subversive and terrorist activities.
Russia restricts calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, the latest step to control the internet | AP News
Russia restricts WhatsApp, Telegram calls, alleging criminal, terrorist activity | CyberScoop
https://cyberscoop.com/russia-restricts-whatsapp-telegram-calls-alleging-criminal-terrorist-activity/
Russia Limits WhatsApp, Telegram Calls Over Claimed Crime Fight
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/58080
Russia's communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, said the restrictions on WhatsApp and Telegram were 'necessary to combat crime. Numerous complaints from law enforcement and citizens indicate that these apps are being used as the primary voice services for fraud, financial exploitation, and incitement of Russian citizens to subversive and terrorist activities.'
Meta, which owns WhatsApp, is designated an extremist organization in Russia. A WhatsApp spokesperson said in a statement that Russia is trying to block WhatsApp because it 'resist[s] the government's attempts to violate people's right to secure communication.'
Russian court rules Facebook and Instagram operator Meta as extremist, restricts activities, but WhatsApp is excluded - GIGAZINE
Roskomnadzor also said that 'repeated requests to take action on both apps were ignored.'
Russian authorities have long pursued a multifaceted effort to regulate the internet, enacting restrictive laws banning websites and platforms that do not comply with the government's wishes. They have also increasingly sophisticated techniques for monitoring and manipulating online traffic, most recently seeking to launch their own state-run messaging app, 'Max.'
Unlike WhatsApp and Telegram, which protect user privacy by encrypting calls and messages, information shared through Max is believed to be accessible to Russian security agencies.
Roskomnadzor insisted that other features of the app were unaffected, and Russia's Ministry of Digital Development added that 'calling functionality will be restored once Russian law is complied with.' Experts believe the move may be aimed at forcing citizens to switch from Western-controlled apps to Max.
Ukraine has also banned the use of Telegram for government officials due to concerns about the spread of false information and information leaks by Russia.
Ukraine bans Telegram on government and military devices due to concerns about Russian espionage - GIGAZINE
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