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Russia blocks calls via WhatsApp and Telegram as it tightens control over the internet

Russian authorities have long engaged in a deliberate and multipronged effort to rein in the internet.

Russian authorities announced Wednesday they were “partially” restricting calls through the messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp, the latest step in an effort to tighten control over the internet. Russia's Digital Development and Communications Ministry said this month that along with internet providers, it was working on a “white list” of essential websites and services users could access during shutdowns. MAX, promoted as a one-stop shop for messaging, online government services, making payments, and more, was rolled out for beta tests but has yet to attract a wide following.

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