Yazılar

Russia Restricts Telegram and WhatsApp Calls Over Alleged Law Breaches

/in /tarafından

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.

BestChange Unclear on Reason for Russia Block, Seeks Resolution with Central Bank

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Cryptocurrency exchange platform BestChange has expressed uncertainty over why its website was blocked by Russia’s communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor. The platform is currently in contact with the central bank to understand the reason behind the block and work on lifting it.

BestChange confirmed that its website, bestchange.ru, had been restricted in Russia, but noted that it was unclear why the ban was imposed. “Unfortunately, we cannot account for the exact reason why this has happened,” the platform said in a statement late Monday. It further added that it was in communication with the central bank to identify the cause and engage with the regulator to resolve the issue.

Roskomnadzor’s official website listed BestChange as a blocked site, and Russian news agency RIA reported that the ban was linked to alleged violations in the financial sector. However, Roskomnadzor did not immediately respond to inquiries seeking more details.

The platform speculated that recent changes in Russian cryptocurrency regulations could be a factor in the restriction, or there could be issues involving an entity using its services. Last year, Russia legalized cryptocurrency mining and introduced taxation measures, expecting to generate up to 200 billion roubles ($2 billion) annually from miners. Although cryptocurrency mining was legalized, certain Siberian regions have faced restrictions to prevent power shortages. Furthermore, Russia has permitted businesses to use cryptocurrencies for international trade, an effort to circumvent Western sanctions that have caused delays in payments. However, a trial period for this new approach has not yet begun.

Signal Messenger Blocked in Russia for Violating Anti-Terrorism Laws

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Russia’s state communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has announced that Signal, an encrypted messaging app, has been blocked in the country for failing to comply with anti-terrorism laws. According to Interfax news agency, the block is due to Signal’s alleged violation of regulations designed to prevent messaging apps from being used for terrorist and extremist purposes.

Before Roskomnadzor’s formal announcement, hundreds of Signal users reported glitches with the app. Over 1,500 complaints were noted, primarily from Moscow and St. Petersburg. Users observed that while the app appeared to function normally when accessed through a VPN or in censorship bypass mode, it was otherwise inaccessible. Mikhail Klimarev, author of the Telegram channel “For Telecom,” confirmed that this issue is indicative of a government-imposed block rather than a technical malfunction on Signal’s part.

Signal users attempting to register new accounts without a VPN encountered a “Server Error” message, reinforcing the suspicion that the block is intentional. Signal has yet to respond to requests for comment.

This move follows Russia’s previous attempt to block Telegram in 2018, which, despite disrupting some third-party services, had minimal impact on Telegram’s availability within the country.