Russian authorities have announced partial restrictions on calls in messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp. This is part of a long-standing effort to control the internet.

Russia is restricting calls via the foreign messaging services WhatsApp and Telegram, allegedly to defend against terrorists and fraudsters. The Russian telecommunications authority Roskomnadzor stated in Moscow on Wednesday that there were restrictions on voice calls.

Russia has started restricting some Telegram and WhatsApp calls, accusing the foreign-owned platforms of failing to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases, the digital development ministry said on Wednesday.