Now you will not be able to make WhatsApp calls! This country has stopped the facility, you will be shocked to know the reason

WhatsApp Call: The Russian administration announced that it is partially limiting call services on Telegram and WhatsApp. This move is part of Russia's long-term strategy to strengthen control over the Internet. State media and Internet regulator Roskomnadzor described this action as necessary to deal with crime.

Ban in the name of crime prevention

Roskomnadzor claims that, based on complaints received from law enforcement agencies and citizens, it has been found that foreign messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp are being used to involve Russian citizens in fraud, extortion, sabotage, and terrorist activities. The agency alleges that the owners of these platforms were asked to take strict measures several times, but they ignored it. At present, there has been no response from both the companies.

Increasing government control over the Internet

In the past few years, Russia has taken several steps to tighten its grip on the Internet, enforcing strict laws, blocking non-compliant websites and platforms, and developing advanced technology to monitor and control online traffic. Although people can overcome these restrictions through VPN, these services are also often banned.

Recent steps and new laws

This summer, the administration carried out large-scale shutdowns in mobile internet services and passed a new law under which users can be punished for searching for content considered illegal. Also, WhatsApp was warned of action and a new national messaging app was launched which is likely to run under strict government supervision. Since last week, there were reports in the Russian media that there were problems in making calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, the call was not connecting or the voice was not clear.

WhatsApp and Telegram users in Russia

According to media monitoring service Mediascope, WhatsApp was Russia's most popular platform in July with more than 96 million monthly users. Telegram was second with about 89 million users. Telegram has been a target of the Russian administration in the past as well. Attempts were made to block it from 2018 to 2020 but failed. After a full-scale attack on Ukraine in 2022, Russia banned Facebook and Instagram and declared their parent company Meta, which owns WhatsApp, as extremist.

Russia's new MAX messenger

MAX is being described as a platform that will have messaging as well as government services and payments. As of July, it had more than 2 million users registered but popularity is still limited. Its terms state that user data will be given to the authorities if needed and under a new law, it will be required to be pre-installed in every smartphone sold in Russia. Government institutions, officials and business sectors are being encouraged to shift their blogs and communications to this platform.