The battle for control over digital communications in Russia has reached an unprecedented level. In recent days, millions of users have experienced restrictions or blocks on voice calls via WhatsApp and Telegram. While text messaging remains unaffected for now, this move paves the way for more extensive control in the future.
Vladimir Putin’s government is promoting domestic platforms and tightening its supervision over digital traffic, combining political, security, and geopolitical strategies. According to Mediascope data, over 97.3 million people use WhatsApp monthly, and 90.8 million use Telegram—these restrictions now impact more than 100 million individuals.
A Conflict Years in the Making
The confrontation between Moscow and major foreign tech giants—particularly American companies—is nothing new. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the government has blocked Facebook and Instagram, slowed down YouTube, and sanctioned companies that don’t comply with its content and data storage regulations.
The recent measures against WhatsApp and Telegram target platforms key to personal and professional communication—tools vital for millions of citizens and businesses.
Diverging Positions
Meta, owner of WhatsApp, states that the service “is private, end-to-end encrypted, and challenges government attempts to violate individuals’ right to secure communication.” Telegram claims it actively combats “harmful use of the platform” through moderators and artificial intelligence that remove millions of malicious messages daily.
However, the Kremlin argues that both apps refuse to cooperate with authorities on fraud or terrorism cases, framing this refusal as a threat to national security.
For now, it’s just voice calls… but text messaging could become the next target
The current restriction only affects VoIP voice calls. Messages, voice notes, and files are still operational, but the effects are already evident. Websites like Downdetector and Sboy report an increase in incidents, and in regions like Krasnodar, local media report mobile connectivity issues.
For companies relying on these apps to communicate with clients, even partial disruptions can lead to financial losses.
Inspired by China’s “Great Firewall”
This strategy echoes China’s “Great Firewall”: national platforms under full state control, blocking foreign services, and fostering a self-contained digital ecosystem. In China, apps like WeChat replace WhatsApp and Facebook, combining messaging, payments, and social features under government oversight.
In Russia, VK Messenger is the main alternative, with 17.9 million monthly users—far behind WhatsApp and Telegram’s numbers. The challenge is twofold: convince citizens to switch and develop a platform with comparable quality and features.
Other Countries Exercising Control
Russia isn’t alone. Several governments, to varying degrees, exert or seek control over digital communication:
– China: Blocks Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, Twitter, and other foreign services, replacing them with state-controlled national platforms.
– Iran: Frequently restricts access to WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram, especially during social protests.
– United Arab Emirates and Qatar: Block WhatsApp and Skype voice calls, favoring local operators.
– India: Ordered the banning of hundreds of Chinese apps over national security concerns.
– Turkey: Imposed temporary bans on social media and messaging services during political crises or attacks.
In all these cases, authorities cite security, misinformation control, or digital sovereignty, though human rights groups criticize censorship and freedom restrictions.
Security, Geopolitics, and Privacy
Some analysts view Russia’s actions as strategic, beyond politics—aimed at preventing foreign companies from amassing citizens’ data amid global rivalries. The vast volume of personal information circulating via WhatsApp and Telegram could serve as a powerful intelligence tool in adversarial hands.
A Strategy of Wear Down
Rather than an immediate shutdown, Russia appears to be employing a gradual approach: degrading services to encourage users to tire and migrate to domestic options. The goal is to make the switch feel voluntary, reducing resistance.
But this tactic may backfire by increasing the use of VPNs and tools to bypass restrictions, as seen in Iran and Turkey.
Global Implications
If Russia’s ban on WhatsApp and Telegram becomes widespread, it could have international consequences: platforms might lose users, communities could be fragmented, and the trend toward a divided, regionalized internet could accelerate.
For businesses, Russia’s case highlights that communication infrastructure can’t be taken for granted. Diversifying channels is crucial to maintain contact with clients and partners amid political risks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why does Russia want to control WhatsApp and Telegram?
The government claims it’s for security and legal compliance, arguing these platforms don’t cooperate on investigations related to fraud or terrorism.
2. Which other countries have similar policies?
China, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, India, and Turkey, among others, restrict or block foreign apps for security, content control, or digital sovereignty reasons.
3. What impact could this have on users and businesses?
Partial or total disruptions could hinder both personal and professional communication, affecting operations and commercial relationships.
4. Can users bypass these blocks?
In other countries, VPNs and encrypted networks are common ways to evade censorship, though Russia is working to limit these tools as well.