Russian authorities are moving to limit certain calling functions on Telegram and WhatsApp, the messaging service owned by Meta Platforms, the Interfax news agency reported on Wednesday, citing communications regulator Roskomnadzor.
Roskomnadzor said the step was aimed at curbing criminal use of the platforms. “In order to counteract criminals... measures are being taken to partially restrict calls on these foreign messengers,” it said, according to Interfax. “No other restrictions have been imposed on their functionality.”
The regulator accused the owners of both platforms of ignoring repeated requests to act against their use for activities including extortion and terrorism.
The move comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin last month signed a law authorising the creation of a state-backed messaging service integrated with government systems, part of Moscow’s drive to reduce reliance on foreign technology.
Russia has for years sought what it calls “digital sovereignty” by promoting domestic services, a push that accelerated after many Western technology firms scaled back or exited the Russian market following the launch of its full-scale offensive in Ukraine in 2022.
Meta and Telegram did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he will send special envoy Steve Witkoff to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin, aiming to resolve remaining differences in a peace framework for Ukraine.
The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted on Sunday morning (23 November), covering nearby villages in ash.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Tuesday that Ukraine needs “more support now” and confirmed that the UK will send additional air defence missiles in the coming weeks.
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