"Russian corporations limit messaging services" - Russian businesses curb messaging platform interactions
In August 2025, Russia has partially restricted voice and video calls on Telegram and WhatsApp, leaving messaging functions largely intact. This move was officially implemented by Roskomnadzor, Russia's federal communications watchdog, citing that these call services have been widely used for scams, extortion, recruitment for sabotage, and terrorist activities.
The main reasons given by Russian authorities for these restrictions are combatting widespread phone scams and extortion schemes conducted through voice calls on these apps, preventing recruitment of Russians into sabotage and terrorist activities, and responding to numerous public complaints and operational data from law enforcement.
The restrictions have caused significant disruption, especially for older people, remote workers, and residents in regions under conflict or drone threats, who relied on these voice call functions to stay in touch with relatives and conduct work. The block mainly affects calls, while text messaging continues unaffected for now.
The law on the ban on communication in foreign messengers for banks came into effect on June 1, 2025. Companies like X5 Group and Hatimaki have implemented measures regarding this ban. The Ministry of Digital Development emphasized that access to calls in foreign messengers will be restored upon condition of compliance with the requirements of Russian laws.
MTS Link, a leading telecommunications company in Russia, has strengthened its information protection measures in 2025. They have implemented next-generation antiviruses, encryption, access control, and auditing and logging systems. Alexander Kirsanov, the head of the legal department of MTS Link, noted the gradual rejection of one-factor biometrics in favor of multi-level systems, including "live biometrics." Particular attention is paid by MTS Link to preventing leaks through USB devices and messengers.
Positions for specialists in detecting deepfakes and monitoring employee activity in social networks are being introduced at MTS Link. This reflects the company's focus on maintaining security and combating online threats.
Despite these official explanations, critics and users highlight that the ban also reflects Russia's broader efforts to increase state control over Internet communications and push users toward government-managed alternatives, such as the newly launched "super app" Max by VK, modeled partly on China's WeChat.
In summary:
- Russia has partially restricted voice and video calls on Telegram and WhatsApp, leaving messaging functions largely intact.
- The restrictions are aimed at combatting scams, extortion, recruitment for sabotage, and terrorist activities.
- The move has caused significant disruption, especially for older people, remote workers, and residents in regions under conflict or drone threats.
- Companies like X5 Group and Hatimaki have implemented measures regarding the ban on communication in foreign messengers.
- MTS Link has strengthened its information protection measures and is focusing on detecting deepfakes and monitoring employee activity in social networks.
- The ban is part of Russia's broader efforts to increase state control over Internet communications and push users toward government-managed apps.
- In response to the rise in financial scams and fraudulent activities, Russian authorities have implemented a ban on voice and video calls in foreign messengers for banks, effective June 1, 2025.
- Amidst the efforts to combat online threats and maintain security, leading Russian telecommunications company MTS Link has introduced positions for specialists in detecting deepfakes and monitoring employee activity in social networks.
