Russia imposes limited restrictions on calls via Telegram and WhatsApp.
Roskomnadzor, Russia's federal censorship agency, has announced the implementation of partial restrictions on calls in the popular messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp. The agency claims that these measures are being taken to counter criminal activity, citing law enforcement materials.
According to Roskomnadzor, foreign messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp are being used for illegal activities such as deception, extortion, and involvement in sabotage and terrorist activities. This move is part of a broader effort by Russian authorities to control online access and push users towards a new government-backed "super app" called Max, developed by VK (formerly VKontakte), which resembles China's WeChat.
However, critics argue that this reasoning is inconsistent with data from Russia's Central Bank, which shows that traditional phone calls are the leading method for fraud schemes, not messaging apps. The restrictions were first noticed by users experiencing connectivity issues and poor call quality before being officially confirmed by Roskomnadzor.
The implementation of these restrictions does not affect the overall functionality of the messengers. Users can still send messages, share media, and use other features of the apps. The news is available on various platforms, including Telegram, VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, and YouTube.
This announcement aligns with Russia's ongoing efforts to manage and monitor internet usage within the country, aiming to curtail the use of foreign messaging services and promote domestic alternatives. For updates on the current situation, users can access news and updates on the restrictions.
Read also:
- Strategies for Adhering to KYC/AML Regulations in India, a Leading Fintech Center (2024)
- Allocating €33 million to combat cyber threats in Latvia
- Chicago Sports Network assigns significant task to Mobile TV Group's 56FLEX for broadcasting sports events
- Collaborating Against Cybercriminals Through Data Exchange
