--- title: "Russia bans calls via WhatsApp and Telegram" description: "Russia enforces a ban on WhatsApp and Telegram voice calls, citing security and compliance, requiring users to find alternatives." author: "Meet Patel" published: 2025-08-15 updated: 2025-08-17 canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/news/4692/russia-bans-calls-via-whatsapp-and-telegram category: "whatsapp" tags: ["whatsapp"] reading_time: 2 minutes --- # Russia bans calls via WhatsApp and Telegram [Russia](https://www.mindstick.com/news/4274/whatsapp-targeted-by-russian-hackers-seeking-data-on-ukraine) has introduced a prohibition on voice calls via WhatsApp and Telegram. The prohibition became effective immediately. The ban is claimed by the Russian authorities to be in sight of [security issues](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/161808/how-can-you-scan-a-repository-for-secrets-or-security-issues) and to guarantee regulations. This move is limiting a means of [communication](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/126321/5-fails-and-fixes-of-the-office-communication) extensively utilized by many millions of citizens in the nation. ## Highlights: - Russia has banned voice calls via [WhatsApp](https://www.mindstick.com/news/4436/whatsapp-developing-ai-powered-rewrite-feature-and-two-way-voice-chats-with-meta-ai) and [Telegram](https://www.mindstick.com/news/4308/telegram-now-lets-users-display-collectible-gifts-as-status). - The restriction applies immediately. - Authorities cite security and regulatory reasons. - Millions of Russian users relied on these services. - Users must find [alternative](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/2324/what-is-the-alternative-to-the-mvc) voice call methods. The proposed ban will have a direct impact on blocking the ability of users in Russia to use voice to make calls using WhatsApp or Telegram. The block was imposed by the Russian officials. The [government](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/view/276/performance-of-government-in-the-center) claims that it should take this action to be more secure and legal. These platforms still can be used to send [text messages](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/audio/1097/the-power-of-automated-text-messages-in-ecommerce-in-2023). The Russian regulators demanded that the voice call capability should be blocked. The government underlines its position regarding foreign platforms that conducted their operations in the country. This step lays attack on one of the fundamental characteristics of these popular messaging services. Voice chat through these apps is no longer accessible. Users will now need to find alternate ways of making [voice calls](https://www.mindstick.com/news/4615/whatsapp-launches-ai-chat-support-and-voice-calling-for-businesses) but on compliant platforms. The prohibition eliminates an [affordable](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/43401/take-arlo-security-camera-kit-at-affordable-price-with-certain-great-amazon-deals) popular means of communication. This restriction is already a part of regulations imposed by the Russian authorities. Users would be forced to use alternative services or the normal telephony to make voice calls. --- Original Source: https://www.mindstick.com/news/4692/russia-bans-calls-via-whatsapp-and-telegram Copyright © MindStick Software Pvt. Ltd. This Markdown version is provided for developers, AI systems, and offline reading.