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.

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.

Russia's communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, claimed the apps have become "the main services used to defraud and extort money, and to involve Russian citizens in sabotage and terrorist activities.