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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At least three paramilitary troops and three suspected militants were killed after heavily armed attackers stormed a Rangers security compound in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on Saturday, authorities said.
"I will be president for only a couple of weeks, and then I will resign," Vucic told supporters at a pro-government rally in the capital, Belgrade.
France said on Saturday it was considering taking reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso broke off diplomatic relations.
France said on Saturday it was considering taking reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso broke off diplomatic relations.
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Japan remained on high alert Saturday as Typhoon Mekkhala approached the eastern coast after Typhoon Higos weakened into a tropical depression. Authorities warned of continued heavy rain, flooding, and landslides, according to media reports.
A tanker reported being struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, Britain's maritime security agency said, after the United States and Iran each launched strikes in the worst escalation since they signed their interim peace deal.
Germany and Poland are bracing for sweltering conditions as a deadly heatwave that has gripped Western Europe moves east, with temperatures expected to approach 40C over the weekend.
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"I will be president for only a couple of weeks, and then I will resign," Vucic told supporters at a pro-government rally in the capital, Belgrade.
The death toll in the twin earthquakes which rocked Venezuela earlier this week has risen to 1,430, top lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez said on Saturday. Another 3,200 people were injured and 3,100 left homeless by the disaster, he added on state television.
Australia said it would double the maximum penalty it can impose on tech firms found to have failed to uphold a groundbreaking social media ban for children, as evidence mounts that the ban has had little effect on teen use.
France said on Saturday it was considering taking reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso broke off diplomatic relations.
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