Russian telecom companies ordered to restrict new users from joining Telegram, Whatsapp

Russian telecom operators have begun blocking calls and SMS messages to new Telegram and WhatsApp users routed through third-party service providers.

The restriction has not yet been implemented across all networks, with some users still able to receive messages, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian outlet RBC.

RBC confirmed this development through its own sources in the telecom industry after the news first surfaced on the "Kod Durov" Telegram channel.

The outlet recalls that Telegram and WhatsApp have already been subject to partial restrictions in Russia, with users experiencing frequent service disruptions in recent months.

On August 13, the federal watchdog Roskomnadzor (RKN) announced that it had blocked calls on Telegram and WhatsApp. The agency said the measure was introduced to combat fraud but stressed that “no other functions of the apps had been limited.”

At the time, WhatsApp responded that communication on its platform remains confidential and that the company “opposes government attempts to undermine people’s right to secure communication.” Telegram stated that it was actively moderating content and combating fraudulent activity.

More recently, RKN said it was taking additional steps to “partially restrict” Telegram and WhatsApp, citing the need to “counter criminal activity.” The agency claimed that these messengers were key channels used for scams, extortion, and recruiting Russians into sabotage or terrorist operations.

RKN also stated that the companies behind the platforms had repeatedly ignored its requests to strengthen content moderation.

In March 2025, Russia’s major tech company VK Corporation (formerly Mail.Ru) unveiled a national digital platform called Max. Later, President Vladimir Putin instructed the government to support the messenger’s development and integrate state and financial services into it. Since autumn, Max has been pre-installed by default on all new smartphones sold in Russia.

Russian media have previously reported that independent researchers describe Max as a highly intrusive app, noting that it collects IP addresses, geolocation data, and contact lists. Its privacy policy explicitly states that such data may be shared with government bodies and “company partners.”

By Nazrin Sadigova