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. In a statement,

Russian authorities have announced partial restrictions on calls in messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp. This is part of a long-standing effort to control the internet.

WhatsApp said Russia was trying to block its services because the social media messaging app owned by Meta Platforms offered people's right to secure communication, and vowed to continue trying to make encrypted services available in Russia.