Russia introduced additional new restrictions for WhatsApp and Telegram, aiming at their call features following accusations against the foreign-owned services of not working with law enforcement on investigations into fraud and terrorism.

Moscow has long clashed with international technology firms on matters such as content control and data localization—a fight that intensified following Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Critics say the actions are part of an effort to exert greater state control over the nation's online environment.

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President Vladimir Putin has backed the creation of a government-run messaging platform tied to state services, part of Russia’s push for “digital sovereignty” aimed at promoting domestic technologies and reducing dependence on foreign platforms.

“In order to counteract criminals … measures are being taken to partially restrict calls on these foreign messengers,” Interfax a media organisation quoted Roskomnadzor, Russia’s communications regulator, as saying. “No other restrictions have been imposed on their functionality.” The digital ministry added, “Access to calls in foreign messengers will be restored after they start complying with Russian legislation.”

Meta, which owns WhatsApp, responded: “WhatsApp is private, end-to-end encrypted, and defies government attempts to violate people’s right to secure communication, which is why Russia is trying to block it from over 100 million Russian people. We will keep doing all we can to make end-to-end encrypted communication available to people everywhere, including in Russia.”

Telegram stated it “actively combats misuse of its platform, including calls for sabotage or violence, as well as fraud” and removes “millions of pieces of harmful content every day.”

Reports indicate that Telegram voice calls have barely worked since 11 August, while WhatsApp calls produce only intermittent sound and metallic buzzing. Officials say both companies ignored repeated requests to curb illegal activity on their platforms.

Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the State Duma’s IT committee, said the services would need to register legal entities in Russia and work with regulators to have restrictions lifted. Last month, he warned WhatsApp to prepare to leave the market. Another lawmaker called its presence a “breach of national security”.

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Human rights groups warn that Russia’s planned state-backed messenger could enable extensive tracking of user activity. Human Rights Watch recently reported that Moscow is strengthening its ability to block, throttle, and censor online platforms and tools that bypass restrictions.