August 14, 2025 — Messaging giants WhatsApp and Telegram are in the headlines this week for two very different reasons—one tied to new safety measures, the other to government restrictions.
WhatsApp: Fighting Back Against Scams
Meta-owned WhatsApp has launched new tools to help users identify and avoid scams, part of a broader crackdown that has already seen 6.8 million scam-linked accounts removed in the first half of 2025.
Key features include:
- Safety Overlays: Alerts when someone outside your contacts adds you to a group, with a one-tap option to leave before seeing messages.
- Contextual Warnings: Prompts to pause and verify when messaging unknown users.
- User Education: In-app safety tips encouraging users to question and confirm suspicious messages.
The move comes amid growing concerns about messaging scams linked to forced-labor fraud rings and organized cybercrime.
Telegram: Fraud Risks and New Restrictions
While WhatsApp tightens security, Telegram faces mounting criticism for becoming a hotspot for phishing schemes and cryptocurrency scams. Cybersecurity experts say fraudsters are exploiting the platform’s openness to operate scam bots entirely within Telegram channels.
Russia: Voice Calls Blocked
Adding to the pressure, Russian authorities have restricted voice and video call functions on both WhatsApp and Telegram, citing breaches of local law related to data sharing and anti-terrorism measures. Text messaging remains functional.
The country’s telecom regulator, Roskomnadzor, said the ban will remain until the platforms comply with Russian legal requirements, including setting up local offices and providing access to certain user data. The move is part of Moscow’s push for “digital sovereignty” and the rollout of its state-backed messaging service, MAX.
Global Implications
While WhatsApp’s updates highlight the ongoing battle against online fraud, Russia’s crackdown underscores the growing tension between governments and global tech platforms over privacy, security, and data control.
