Telegram addresses the restriction imposed by RKN on making calls within the messaging platform
Partial Restriction of Calls in Telegram and WhatsApp Affects Millions in Russia
Roskomnadzor, the state communications watchdog in Russia, has made a decision to partially restrict calls in the Telegram messenger for Russian users. This move comes as part of government efforts to curb commercial scams and fraud, particularly on voice and video calls.
The recent development affects both Telegram and WhatsApp, with Roskomnadzor stating that the owners of the messengers have ignored "repeatedly sent demands to take measures to counteract this." However, it remains unclear what specific calls are affected by the partial restriction in both services.
According to law enforcement, Russian citizens have been involved in subversive and terrorist activities through these platforms. Additionally, law enforcement agencies have identified Telegram and WhatsApp as the main voice services used by fraudsters to defraud and extort money.
The comment from Telegram's press office did not provide details on the reasons for the partial restriction of calls. Telegram has not announced any plans to contest the decision by Roskomnadzor, although users and observers report significant disruption and frustration, especially among groups like the elderly and remote workers who rely heavily on these calls for communication and work.
Telegram users have the ability to independently determine who can call them on the messenger, and they can also choose to completely disable calls using the call privacy settings. The decision by Roskomnadzor was commented on by Telegram's press office, with TASS reporting the comment.
The measures taken by Roskomnadzor are aimed at "counteracting criminals" in accordance with the materials of law enforcement agencies. This move is part of a broader tightening of internet control, possibly as a step toward creating a China-style isolated internet environment.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to register millions of users on Max, a domestic messaging app promoted as a Russian alternative but still in testing. The partial block of calls has deeply affected everyday life for many Russians, isolating people who use these apps to stay connected with family, friends, and colleagues.
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- The recent partial restriction of calls in Telegram and WhatsApp, enforced by Roskomnadzor, raises questions about the future of social-media communication and its impact on technology-dependent sectors, such as businesses and remote work.
- As entertainment platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp face increased controls, concerns arise around how science and technology will adapt, and whether they can provide alternative means for communication and social interaction that meet the needs of diverse user groups, including the elderly and those in remote locations.
