Reports have emerged that Russia has begun to restrict the currency function of foreign messaging platforms widely used in the country, such as WhatsApp and Telegram.
According to the TASS news agency on the 13th (local time), the Russian telecommunications regulator, the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor), stated that it is partially restricting the currency functions of WhatsApp and Telegram to combat crime.
The agency added that it is not restricting other features of this messaging service.
In this regard, the Russian Ministry of Digital Development explained that it had repeatedly requested WhatsApp and Telegram to take measures to prevent their use in fraud and terrorism, but these requests were not accepted.
It noted that the currency function would only be restored if these platforms comply with Russian law.
Russian authorities designated Meta as an 'extremist' organization in 2022 and blocked services like Facebook and Instagram, but WhatsApp was allowed to continue operating.
Some analysts suggest that Russia has imposed restrictions on popular platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram to promote its own messaging service, which is scheduled to launch this fall. President Vladimir Putin approved the development of a national messaging application last June.