According to official media, Russia declared on Wednesday that it will limit calls on the Telegram and WhatsApp messaging applications, citing the need to combat crime. The RIA and TASS news agencies cited communications authority Roskomnadzor as saying, “Means are being taken to partially restrict calls on these foreign messaging apps (WhatsApp and Telegram) to combat criminals.
The main voice services used for fraud and extortion, and for involving Russian citizens in subversive and terrorist activities,” the watchdog continued, referring to the chat applications. Russian security agencies have accused Telegram of being used by Ukraine to recruit individuals or carry out sabotage activities in Russia.
Moscow requests that the messengers provide law enforcement access to data upon request, not just for fraud investigations but also for the investigation of actions that Russia deems terrorist.Following their compliance with Russian law, access to calls in international messengers will be restored, according to Russia’s digital ministry.
Telegram claimed it “actively combats misuse of its platform, including calls for sabotage or violence, as well as fraud” and deletes “millions of pieces of harmful content every day” in a statement provided to AFP.
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