Regulator Roskomnadzor imposes restrictions on voice calls in messaging apps
In a recent development, messenger calls are being blocked in Russia, a move that has sparked controversy and debate among citizens and law enforcement agencies alike.
The primary reason for this restriction, as stated by Roskomnadzor, the country's telecommunications authority, is to protect the population from fraud and combat criminals using these services. They claim that voice calls on foreign messengers like WhatsApp and Telegram are used to deceive people, extort money, and involve Russian citizens in sabotage and terrorist activities.
However, this action is also widely viewed as a measure to tighten state control over communications and restrict freedom of expression. Critics and human rights groups see it as part of a systematic crackdown on independent communication channels, forcing users onto government-managed platforms with easier oversight.
The concern over the use of messengers for subversive and terrorist activities is not mere speculation. Both law enforcement agencies and citizens have raised this issue. Numerous citizen complaints indicate that messengers are used for illegal activities such as extortion of money, and data from law enforcement agencies suggests that messengers are a significant issue in combating crime.
The restriction has significant social impacts, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly and remote workers who relied on these calls to maintain contact with family and manage their work. This contributes to a broader frustration and a sense of being trapped in a "digital prison."
The restriction on messenger calls in Russia is part of a larger effort to combat crime, as noted by the agency. It is a recent development, and the news about it has been reported by various news agencies such as Khabarovsk Krai Today and RBK.
Despite the controversy, Roskomnadzor's official purpose is stated as combating fraud and criminal activities based on law enforcement materials. They maintain that their primary concern is the safety and security of the Russian population.
This move towards increased control over communications comes at a time of ongoing geopolitical tensions and internal pressures in Russia. It remains to be seen how this will affect the flow of information and the rights of Russian citizens in the digital age.
[1] Khabarovsk Krai Today News Agency [2] RBK News Agency [3] Various citizen complaints and law enforcement materials
The move towards blocking messenger calls in Russia, as stated by Roskomnadzor, extends beyond protecting the population from fraud and combating criminal activities; it's also perceived as a method to tighten state control over communications and limit freedom of expression. [1] [2] [3]
In the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions and internal pressures in Russia, this increased control over communications, particularly in the realm of finance, technology, and industry, raises concerns about the potential impact on the flow of information and the rights of Russian citizens in the digital age. [1] [2] [3]
