Roskomnadzor has introduced a partial restriction on calls in Telegram and WhatsApp messengers to counter criminal activity, the Ministry of Digital Development reported. Access to services will be restored if the platforms comply with Russian legislation.
According to the agency, messengers are used to organize fraudulent schemes, distribute illegal content, and coordinate criminal actions. Since the beginning of 2025, more than 52,000 cases of remote fraud have been recorded through these services, with damages exceeding 106.4 billion rubles.
I emphasize that Telegram and WhatsApp platforms have become a tool for organizing terrorist and other criminal activities, including serious and especially serious crimes. At the same time, the administrations of the messengers systematically ignore court decisions aimed at solving crimes.
Telegram has also been repeatedly fined for refusing to remove prohibited materials, including extremist content, fakes, and drug propaganda. Since 2021, the total amount of fines imposed on the company has amounted to 143.8 million rubles.
Law enforcement agencies note that attackers use messengers for mass mailings of false threats and recruitment. In 2025, several planned crimes were prevented, including terrorist attacks and attacks on educational institutions.
Earlier, Roskomnadzor reported the removal of millions of illegal materials, but some content remains available. The authorities called on platform administrations to cooperate more actively in the fight against violations.
Read more materials on the topic:
Telegram Decided to Clean Up: Messenger Team Started Mass Blocking of Channels Related to Blackmail
Traffic of Operators in Russia Increased to 25% After Blocking Calls in Telegram and WhatsApp
