WhatsApp accused Moscow of trying to block millions of Russians from accessing secure communication after calls on the messaging app were restricted, as Russia promotes home-grown social media platforms and seeks greater control over the country's internet space.

Russia is restricting calls via the foreign messaging services WhatsApp and Telegram, allegedly to defend against terrorists and fraudsters. The Russian telecommunications authority Roskomnadzor stated in Moscow on Wednesday that there were restrictions on voice calls.

WhatsApp has responded to Russia’s decision to block calls on its platform, saying Moscow is targeting the app precisely because it protects people’s right to private conversation.