Entry to the Telegram and WhatsApp messaging applications has been curtailed in 34 areas within Russia.
In 34 Russian areas, Telegram and WhatsApp are now inaccessible.
Based on data from the “Online” project, as of October 22, connectivity to Telegram and WhatsApp messengers was cut off in 40% of Russia’s regions.
Roskomnadzor had earlier declared limitations on service entry due to “criminal” operations. “An escalating number of grievances about unreliable messaging apps are being received from throughout Russia. Already, 34 areas are stating the disappearance of the capacity to not only initiate conversations but also interact on widely used messaging apps,” observe experts. The Russian Federation comprises a total of 85 regions, excluding the “recently incorporated territories.”
According to Na Svyazi, there have been three separate instances of blocked access observed thus far. Governmental bodies initiated the limitation of entry to WhatsApp and Telegram beginning on Monday afternoon, October 20. The restrictions predominantly influenced areas in southern Russia, while the issue did not gain significant traction in other impacted regions (Vologda, Kirov, and Chelyabinsk Oblasts, among others).
Analysts clarify that a subsequent instance of restrictions commenced by Monday evening. It particularly impacted Bashkortostan and the Irkutsk vicinity. On October 21, constraints were broadened to encompass 21 additional areas, notably including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tatarstan, the Yaroslavl and Kaliningrad areas, along with Yakutia, a number of regions in the Far East, and others.
