Partial ban on voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram in Russia : Russia has taken a big digital step and partially limited the voice call feature on WhatsApp and Telegram. Now it is only possible to send and receive text messages on these apps, while voice calls will not be possible. This decision has been implemented by Russia’s communications regulatory body Roskomnadzor, and many important reasons have been given behind it.
Why was this ban imposed?
Russian officials say that platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram were being used for fraud, blackmail, sabotage and terrorist activities. The government was receiving complaints about this not only from law enforcement agencies but also from ordinary citizens. Based on these complaints, Roskomnadzor decided to ban the voice call feature of these apps.
When will the ban be lifted?
According to officials, this ban is temporary and will be lifted only when these companies agree to work under Russian law. This includes opening a local office in Russia, and providing data when needed. The government says that if the companies agree to these conditions, the voice call service can be resumed.
Stand of WhatsApp and Telegram
Meta-owned WhatsApp is opposing this move. They say that this ban is an attack on the freedom of end-to-end encrypted communication. WhatsApp has a user base of more than 100 million in Russia, and the company says that this move will harm people’s privacy.
Telegram has said that AI-based moderation is used to remove harmful content on the platform, and they are already cooperating in removing illegal or violent posts.
Big picture of digital control
This move is part of Russia’s digital sovereignty policy, under which the country wants to reduce dependence on foreign tech companies. Under this plan, Russia is also developing its own state-approved messaging app MAX, so that users can get an alternative to the domestic platform.
This decision of Russia is not just a technical change, but another step towards control over the Internet. While the government is calling it necessary for security and law and order, users and tech companies are considering it a threat to digital freedom. It will be interesting to see in the coming times whether the companies agree to the Russian conditions or the voice call ban continues for a long time.