A telecoms industry insider has informed Kommersant that there are indications of government-related disruptions affecting WhatsApp and Telegram calls in Russia. The reported incidents suggest potential interference with the apps’ functionality, raising questions about state control over digital communications. The exact nature and scale of the disruptions remain unclear, with some reports indicating that the impact may be limited to specific regions or user groups.
These developments come at a time of heightened scrutiny over digital surveillance and state control of internet infrastructure in the country. Government officials have previously expressed concerns about the use of encrypted messaging apps for coordinating activities that could threaten national security. The current situation may be part of a broader effort to monitor or restrict the use of such platforms, though no official statement has been made by the Russian authorities.
Industry experts are calling for transparency regarding the technical and legal basis for any such measures. They argue that such actions could have significant implications for digital privacy and the free flow of information. The incident underscores the complex relationship between government regulation and digital communication technologies in the region.