WhatsApp and Telegram calls banned in Russia, citing the need to curb terrorist activity and crimes

News Topical, Digital Desk : Russian authorities have announced a "partial" ban on calls on messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp in a bid to curb crime.

They are being used for fraud and money collection

He called this measure necessary, saying that they are used for fraud and extortion, and to involve Russian citizens in terrorist activities.

State media and internet regulator Roskomnadzor cited law violations in a statement on Wednesday, saying it was the latest move in an effort to tighten controls on the internet.

These platforms are not following Russian law

Foreign-owned platforms are not complying with Russian law and Moscow wants to reduce dependence on foreign technology.

Roskomnadzor described the measure as necessary to combat crime, saying that “according to numerous appeals from law enforcement agencies and citizens, foreign messengers Telegram and WhatsApp have become the main 'voice services' used for fraud and extortion, and to involve Russian citizens in terrorist activities.”

Messenger owners ignored the request

The regulator also alleged that "repeated requests to take reactive measures have been ignored by the owners of the messenger." However, there was no immediate comment from either platform. Russian authorities have long been pursuing a multi-pronged effort to rein in the Internet.

Russian authorities are tracking foreign websites

Over the years they have made restrictive laws and banned websites and platforms that do not comply. The technology for monitoring online traffic has also become more advanced.

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