RCN: calls to Telegram and Whatsapp have been partially restricted to fight criminals

Roskomnadzor announced partial blocking of calls in the Telegram and WhatsApp messengers (part of Meta, the organization is recognized as extremist and banned in the Russian Federation) to combat criminals. This was announced on August 13 in the press service of the department.

It is noted that foreign messengers have become the main platforms for committing crimes such as deception, extortion of money, as well as involvement in sabotage and terrorist activities. The agency stressed that the owners of the messengers ignored the demands to take action against these threats.

"We inform you that in order to counteract criminals, in accordance with the materials of law enforcement agencies, measures are being taken to partially restrict calls in these foreign messengers. No other restrictions are imposed on their functionality," the press service said.

Roskomnadzor also noted that the fight against calls from criminals is being conducted consistently. Since 2024, the "Anti-fraud" system has been in operation, blocking calls with number substitution in traditional telephone networks of telecom operators. As a result, these calls were transferred to foreign messengers, which, according to the agency, do not provide an adequate level of security for Russian users.

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The provision of such services is subject to criminal liability.

On July 18, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov recalled that WhatsApp must comply with Russian laws.

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