The “Kod Durov” channel on Telegram indicated that some new users of the “WhatsApp” and “Telegram” applications in Russia are facing a stop in receiving text messages and calls, and this information was confirmed by sources in the field of information security to the Russian newspaper RBC.

RBC reported that the Russian authorities asked mobile phone network operators to impose restrictions on calls and text messages for new users of the WhatsApp and Telegram applications, while the services are still working normally for some users with old Russian numbers.

Kommersant newspaper also reported that last week, residents of some Russian regions began collectively complaining about problems in the operation of the two applications, including difficulties in sending and receiving messages and making calls.

The Russian Federal Authority for Supervision of Communications and Information Technology (Roskomnadzor) had previously stated that it had taken measures to impose partial restrictions on the operation of foreign messaging applications in Russia, stressing that this step aims to reduce cases of electronic fraud that occur through these applications.

Source: Kommersant