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Russia Restricts Telegram and WhatsApp Calls Over Alleged Law Breaches

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Russia has begun restricting some voice calls on Telegram and WhatsApp, citing the platforms’ failure to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases, the digital development ministry said. The partial blocking affects calls only, with other functions remaining operational. Authorities stated the restrictions would be lifted if the platforms comply with Russian law, including opening local legal entities and cooperating with regulators.

The move reflects Moscow’s push for “digital sovereignty,” including the development of a state-backed messaging app integrated with government services. Telegram said it actively monitors public channels with AI tools to remove malicious content, while Meta and Telegram did not immediately comment. Reporters verified that Telegram calls have been largely non-functional since August 11, and WhatsApp calls experience severe disruptions.

Critics warn that Russia’s new messaging app may track users and encourage migration from foreign platforms, while human rights groups highlight growing censorship and internet control in the country.

Vietnam Orders Block on Telegram Over Crime, Anti-State Content Allegations

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Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications has instructed telecommunication providers to block access to the Telegram messaging app, citing the platform’s alleged failure to cooperate in investigations into criminal activity and anti-state operations.

The directive, dated May 21 and signed by the deputy head of the telecom department, mandates Vietnamese telecom operators to “deploy solutions and measures to prevent Telegram’s activities” and report progress by June 2.

Authorities claim that 68% of the 9,600 Telegram channels and groups active in Vietnam have violated national laws, pointing to incidents of fraud, drug trafficking, and suspected terrorism-related content. Officials also accused Telegram of refusing to share user data when requested as part of ongoing criminal probes.

Telegram Responds

Telegram, which has close to 1 billion global users, expressed surprise at the allegations. A company spokesperson told Reuters:

“We have responded to legal requests from Vietnam on time… We received a formal notice this morning regarding a standard service notification procedure under new telecom regulations. The deadline for our response is May 27, and we are processing the request.”

Despite the government’s order, Telegram remained accessible in Vietnam as of Friday.

Crackdown on Online Content

Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party, known for its tight grip on media and limited tolerance for dissent, has stepped up demands on global tech firms to cooperate with state censorship policies. The country has previously pressured platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Google, and TikTok to remove content deemed “toxic” or “anti-state.”

The government’s document also accused Telegram of enabling opposition groups to organize and spread anti-government propaganda, with “many groups with tens of thousands of participants” allegedly created by what it called “reactionary subjects.”

Broader Context

Telegram has faced scrutiny globally for its perceived lack of content moderation. In France, founder Pavel Durov was briefly detained last year amid similar concerns over security and data transparency.

The timing of Vietnam’s move also comes ahead of an official visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Hanoi on Sunday, potentially adding diplomatic nuance to the unfolding situation.

Singapore Prosecutors Link $390 Million Fraud Case to U.S. Server Supply

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In a significant fraud case involving Singapore-based firms, prosecutors revealed that $390 million worth of transactions are at the center of allegations that the companies falsely supplied U.S. servers to Malaysia. Three individuals have been charged with defrauding Dell and Super Micro by misrepresenting the final destination of the servers, which may have contained sensitive components such as Nvidia’s artificial intelligence (AI) chips.

The case has raised concerns due to potential links to DeepSeek, a Chinese AI firm under investigation by the United States for possibly utilizing banned Nvidia chips. The chips in question, if used by DeepSeek, could be the high-end semiconductors restricted by U.S. export controls. Although Singapore authorities have acknowledged the servers might have contained Nvidia chips, they have not confirmed if the chips were subject to U.S. export restrictions.

The three suspects—Aaron Woon (41), Alan Wei (49), and Li Ming (51)—are facing charges of fraudulent misrepresentation. Prosecutors also allege that Wei paid himself dividends totaling millions of dollars, while Woon reportedly received a substantial bonus. The case forms part of a broader investigation in Singapore into false representation, with 22 individuals and companies under suspicion and six others arrested in connection with the matter.

At this stage, Singapore authorities have not offered further details on whether the chips involved were high-end models, nor have they commented extensively on the potential connection to DeepSeek. Singapore’s Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam declined to speculate on the link between the two cases.

In response to the charges, Shashi Nathan, Wei’s lawyer, has requested proof from the prosecutors regarding the alleged fraudulent transactions. Lawyers for Li and Woon have not made public comments yet. Malaysia is also conducting its own investigation into whether its laws were violated in the case.