WhatsApp Experiences Technical Issue
In recent weeks, Russian users have reported issues with voice and video call outages on WhatsApp and Telegram, leading to speculation about potential government actions[1][2][4][5].
The primary reasons suggested for these outages and restrictions include government testing and selective blocking of calls, as a response to a rise in fraudulent and criminal activities conducted via foreign messaging apps[1][2][4][5]. Russian authorities argue that many scam calls, extortion attempts, sabotage recruitment, and terrorist communications have shifted to WhatsApp and Telegram, prompting restrictions to "counter criminal activity."
Additionally, mobile operators have reportedly requested the reduction of WhatsApp and Telegram call traffic due to infrastructure upgrade difficulties caused by international sanctions. These delays in network improvements are essential for maintaining call quality and capacity[3].
Discussions about potentially blocking WhatsApp entirely in Russia are ongoing, with a plan to promote a domestic messaging app called Max, expected to become the national platform akin to China's WeChat. However, Max is controversial due to its data collection and potential government surveillance[2].
Despite the ongoing restrictions, official statements by Russia’s communication watchdog Roskomnadzor confirm the blocking is partial and limited to voice and video calls only, while other app functions remain accessible[4][5]. The Digital Development Ministry indicated that calls could be restored if WhatsApp and Telegram comply with Russian laws.
Over the past 24 hours, more than 4,500 complaints have been registered, with Moscow residents accounting for 29% of complaints in the last six hours[6]. Complaints also came from Novosibirsk Oblast (12%), Sverdlovsk Oblast and Krasnodar Krai (both 8%), St. Petersburg and Irkutsk Oblast (both 5%)[7].
As of 15:30 Moscow time, the messaging app was working for an "Expert" correspondent. However, calls are experiencing issues, as confirmed by the correspondent[8]. On August 9, a source in the government told "Ostorozhno Media" that operators of the "big four" had called for the blocking of voice calls in foreign messengers[9].
It is important to note that notification problems account for 7% of complaints, and users most frequently report issues with the mobile app (53%)[7].
The situation remains fluid, and it is essential to monitor developments closely as the Russian government continues to navigate the complexities of balancing security concerns with the needs of its citizens and the global digital landscape.
[1] https://tass.ru/obschestvo/15872326 [2] https://www.rbc.ru/technology_and_media/25/08/2025/5f3e877e9a7947c475e98766 [3] https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4790358 [4] https://www.vz.ru/news/2025/8/24/1119734.html [5] https://www.interfax.ru/technology/792583 [6] https://sboi.ru/ [7] https://sboi.ru/ [8] Personal observation by "Expert" correspondent [9] https://ostorozhno.media/novosti/2025/08/09/operatory-bolshikh-chetyreх-zaprosili-blokirovat-golosovye-zvonki-v-zarubezhnyh-messengers-3962533/
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