The country’s Digital Development Ministry said on Wednesday that Russia has started banning some voice calls on Telegram and WhatsApp, which has been accused of failing to share information with law enforcement in cases related to foreign owned messaging platforms.

The ministry clarified that the restrictions apply only to calls and do not affect other characteristics of the app.

Russia’s communication regulator, Rosomnadzor, told the Interfax News Agency, “To combat criminals … measures are being taken to restrict the call on these foreign messengers.” “There is no other restriction on their functionality.”

WhatsApp owner, Meta and Telegram did not release any comments.

Service interruptions confirmed

According to the news agency RootsVoice calls on Telegram had barely worked since August 11, while WhatsApp calls were interrupted by stopping the sound and a metallic boosing that made communication impossible.

Telegram talking to Russia RBC dailySaid that it was actively combating the call for violence and fraud on its platform. The company said, “Moderators are using AI tools to monitor the public parts of the platform to remove millions of malicious messages every day.”

Moscow pushes to digital sovereignty

After Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the dispute over material control and data storage intensified. Experts have alleged that the government is trying to expand its control over Russia’s Internet ecosystem.

President Vladimir Putin has authorized the development of a state -backed messaging app designed to integrate with government services. Officials say the initiative is part of Russia’s drive for digital sovereignty, which aims to promote home-developed services and reduce dependence on foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram.

The Ministry of Digital Development said that repeated requests for compliance – such as ignoring steps to prevent forums from being fraud and used for terrorism.

The ministry warned that the restrictions would be lifted if companies fully follow the Russian law, including opening legal institutions in Russia, cooperating with Rosomnadzor and law enforcement and unconditionally after all national laws.

Political pressure mounts

Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the lower house of Parliament’s Information Technology Committee, reiterated the requirements for compliance.

Meta was classified as an extremist organization in Russia in 2022 RootsBut WhatsApp, which is widely used, has faced punishment for the removal of prohibited material under the Russian law.

Gorekin suggested last month that WhatsApp should prepare to get out of the Russian market, while other MPs described its continuous presence as a national security threat.

Human Rights Watch warned last month that the Russian government was rapidly increasing its technical capabilities and tightening the country’s control over the Internet infrastructure. The organization stated that this broad website blocked, services throttleing and restrictions on devices that help users to sideline the sensorship.