President Vladimir Putin has authorised the development of a state-backed messaging app designed to integrate with government services. Officials say this initiative is part of Russia's drive for digital sovereignty.

Russia has started restricting some Telegram and WhatsApp calls, accusing the foreign-owned platforms of failing to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases, the digital development ministry said on Wednesday.

Russian authorities announced Wednesday they were “partially” restricting calls in messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp, the latest step in an effort to tighten control over the internet.