Russia is taking measures to partially restrict calls on Telegram and WhatsApp, Interfax says

Russian authorities are taking measures to restrict some calls on Telegram and WhatsApp, the messaging app owned by Meta Platforms, Russia’s Interfax news agency cited Russia’s communications regulator Roskomnadzor as saying on Wednesday.

Meta and Telegram did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

President Vladimir Putin last month signed a law authorizing the development of a state-backed messaging app integrated with government services, as Russia strives to reduce its dependence on platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram.

Russia has long…