Russia's new censorship push: Kremlin eyes control over WhatsApp and Telegram
Photo: Russian president Vladimir Putin (kremlin ru)
Russian president Vladimir Putin has ordered to gain control over foreign messengers, specifically WhatsApp and Telegram, despite the latter's Russian origin, according to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.
Putin has instructed the government to develop measures to restrict the use of foreign software, including messengers developed in so-called "unfriendly countries" by September 1, 2025.
WhatsApp has come under particular scrutiny, making it one of the top candidates for potential blocking. It is owned by Meta, an organization that is recognized as an extremist organization in Russia.
"The situation with Telegram is also ambiguous: although the messenger is of russian origin, its allegedly 'independent' position and refusal to cooperate with the authorities make its status uncertain," the report says.
The Russian authorities have created a new element - VK's Max messenger for digital surveillance. Data from Max is automatically transferred to servers linked to VK, which is controlled by the Russian special services.
"All officials have been ordered to switch to Max. The app has full access to the microphone, camera, contacts, geolocation, and files. It cannot be disabled by standard means, uses root access and system jar files – signs of malware," the intelligence notes.
Restrictions on Telegram in Ukraine
There have been long discussions in Ukraine about restricting Telegram. The Ukrainian authorities emphasize that the main problem is the anonymous dissemination of information on the messenger.
Talks about closing Telegram resumed when the messenger's founder, Pavel Durov, was detained in France.
The Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, said recently that if the decision to block Telegram is made, it will be only to make Ukraine more secure.
