Yazılar

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.

Norway Attributes April Dam Cyberattack to Russian Hackers

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Norway’s counter-intelligence chief has officially blamed Russian hackers for a cyberattack on a dam in Bremanger, western Norway, in April. During the incident, hackers briefly took control of the dam and opened a flood gate, releasing 500 litres (132 gallons) of water per second for four hours before authorities intervened. No injuries were reported.

Beate Gangaas, head of Norway’s PST security agency, said the attack is part of a rising pattern of operations by pro-Russian cyber actors aimed at causing fear and chaos among the population. She emphasized that the public disclosure is intended to raise awareness and prevent further attacks.

The Russian embassy in Oslo dismissed the claims as “unfounded and politically motivated.” Norway, a NATO member and major gas supplier, shares an Arctic border with Russia and has previously warned about threats to its energy infrastructure.

Sberbank CEO Questions Benefits of Russia’s Digital Rouble Initiative

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German Gref, CEO of Russia’s largest lender Sberbank, expressed skepticism on Wednesday about the potential advantages of Russia’s digital rouble project, aside from possible benefits in cross-border settlements. Speaking at a financial forum in St Petersburg, Gref said he did not personally see the need for digital roubles and was uncertain how they would significantly improve Russia’s financial system.

The Bank of Russia recently announced that from September 1, 2026, Russian banks will be required to enable customers to make payments using digital roubles, with the project’s launch delayed by more than a year. The initiative is part of a global trend, with over 130 countries exploring digital currencies as they adapt to declining cash usage and challenges posed by cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

Moscow hopes the digital rouble will ease foreign trade payments complicated by Western sanctions linked to the Ukraine conflict. However, Gref highlighted that Russian banks already have advanced digital payment capabilities and reiterated his view that the digital rouble is unlikely to transform the domestic economy. While he acknowledged a potential role for the digital currency in international transactions, he sees no clear domestic advantage at present.