Blocking of calls in Telegram and WhatsApp has begun in Russia

Russian users report disruptions in voice calls of popular messengers

Users from Russia have massively encountered difficulties making voice calls in Telegram and WhatsApp, reports well-known journalist and blogger Anastasia Kashevarova in her Telegram channel.

According to Kashevarova, restrictions on WhatsApp functionality effectively came into force in August, although the blocking was initially planned to launch from the beginning of July.

At the moment, problems are observed exclusively when using mobile internet — calls either don't go through at all, or the connection quality drops significantly. When connected via Wi-Fi, the voice call function is still maintained, however, as the journalist notes, this is only a "temporary testing phase".

It's worth recalling that earlier representatives of telecom operators came forward with an initiative to restrict voice calls in WhatsApp and Telegram, characterizing them as "enemy messengers". According to Kashevarova, similar problems with voice calls will soon arise in Pavel Durov's messenger as well.

Notably, when using VPN services, calls go through without difficulties. However, as the journalist warns, "unfriendly" VPNs will also soon be blocked.

"We need to develop a single clear solution for cybersecurity and disconnection of unfriendly systems. And also understand what to use if we disconnect what many people work with," emphasizes Anastasia Kashevarova.

In some cities, including Krasnodar and Novorossiysk, there have been cases of complete internet shutdowns, including in connection with drone attacks.