In response to a TASS inquiry, Roskomnadzor confirmed the partial blocking of WhatsApp and Telegram, although in recent days it denied its involvement. The agency explained the decision by stating that, according to law enforcement data and 'numerous citizen appeals', Telegram and WhatsApp have become the main services used for 'fraud and extortion of money, involvement in sabotage and terrorist activities of Russian citizens'. Meanwhile, the owners of the messengers ignored requests to take action.
WhatsApp and Telegram users from several regions of Russia began reporting issues with the social networks starting Tuesday. Residents of Adygea, Krasnodar Krai, Rostov Oblast, and other regions of the North Caucasus complained about disruptions in the messengers' operation.
In August, Roskomnadzor began blocking calls through Telegram and WhatsApp under the guise of 'counteracting criminals'