Russia has begun restricting calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, accusing the foreign-owned messaging platforms of failing to cooperate with law enforcement in cases involving fraud and terrorism, the digital development ministry said on Wednesday.

The move marks the latest escalation in Moscow’s long-running dispute with foreign tech companies over content moderation and data storage.

Tensions have deepened since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with critics warning that the Kremlin is seeking greater control over the country’s internet space.

“In order to counteract criminals… measures are being taken to partially restrict calls on these foreign messengers,” communications regulator Roskomnadzor said via Interfax. Other features, such as text messaging, remain unaffected.

President Vladimir Putin has authorised the creation of a state-backed messaging app integrated with government services, part of Moscow’s push for “digital sovereignty” and reduced reliance on foreign platforms. Critics fear the new app could enable expanded state surveillance.

Reuters reporters confirmed the restrictions, finding that Telegram calls have barely functioned since August 11, while WhatsApp calls suffer from severe sound disruptions. The ministry said the bans will be lifted if the companies comply with Russian law, including opening legal entities in the country, fully adhering to local regulations, and cooperating with authorities.

Telegram told Russia’s RBC daily it actively combats harmful activity, using AI moderation tools to remove millions of malicious messages from public channels each day. WhatsApp’s parent company Meta Platforms did not respond to requests for comment.

Meta was declared an extremist organisation in 2022, but WhatsApp remains widely used in Russia. Some lawmakers have called for it to exit the market entirely, framing its presence as a national security threat.

Human Rights Watch recently reported that Russia is expanding its ability to block, slow, and censor online services, tightening its grip on domestic internet infrastructure.