Russian telecom operators are required to stop transmitting SMS messages and voice calls that contain authorization codes used by subcontractors of Telegram and WhatsApp. This was reported by a source from a telecommunications company to Code Durov, and the measure is aimed at "stopping the registration of new Russian users". Operators have already started to comply with this order, which may also affect existing accounts.
The restriction applies specifically to subcontractors who send SMS and calls with authorization codes. Since verifying a phone number via SMS or a call remains a mandatory step when registering a new account, this measure makes it virtually impossible for Russians to register new users on the two popular apps.
Although Telegram has been using alternative authorization methods for some time, such as sending a code to a linked email address or transmitting the code during another active session, when registering a new account, verification by phone is inevitable. For existing users who need to log in again, authorization becomes more difficult and will require resorting to alternative methods or using an active account on another device.
As a latest development on the subject, Code Durov reported that Telegram has begun to gradually introduce sending SMS codes in Russia, however, these costs will now be borne by the users themselves.