To curb crime, Russian authorities have announced a partial ban on calls on messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp. Along with this, state media and internet regulator Roskomnadzor said in a statement on Wednesday, citing violations of law, that this is the latest step in an effort to tighten control over the Internet.

To curb crime, Russian authorities have announced a "partial" ban on calls on messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp.

They are being used for fraud and money extortion

Describing this measure as necessary, he said that they are used for fraud and money extortion, and to involve Russian citizens in terrorist activities.

State media and internet regulator Roskomnadzor said in a statement on Wednesday, citing violations of law, that this is the latest step in an effort to tighten control over the Internet.

These platforms are not following Russian law

Foreign-owned platforms are not following Russian law and Moscow wants to reduce dependence on foreign technology.

Roskomnadzor called the measure necessary to combat crime, saying that "according to numerous appeals from law enforcement agencies and citizens, foreign messengers Telegram and WhatsApp have become the main 'voice services' used for fraud and extortion, and to involve Russian citizens in terrorist activities." Messenger owners ignored requests The regulator also alleged that "repeated requests to take retaliatory measures have been ignored by the owners of the messenger." However, there was no immediate comment from either platform. Russian authorities have long been making multi-pronged efforts to rein in the Internet.