FACTBOX: What is known about partial restriction of calls in Telegram, WhatsApp in Russia

MOSCOW, August 13. /TASS/. The authorities are restricting calls in the Telegram and WhatsApp messengers in Russia to protect citizens, the press service of the Federal Service for Supervision in the Sphere of Telecom, Information Technologies and Mass Communications, Roskomnadzor, told TASS. No other functions of these messengers are being restricted, the watchdog added.

In turn, the Ministry of Digital Development allowed the restoration of access to call services in these messengers if their owners comply with the requirements of the Russian law.

TASS has assembled the main information about the situation.

- The Russian communications watchdog Roskomnadzor announced that it is partially restricting calls in Telegram and WhatsApp messengers to counter criminals.

- No other restrictions on the messengers’ functionality are being introduced.