In a significant move, Russia’s media regulatory authority, Roskomnadzor, has taken action to block the Viber messaging application within its borders, citing violations of national law. This decision, confirmed by the watchdog’s press service and reported by News.az through TASS, underscores the ongoing scrutiny faced by digital communication platforms in the country.
Reasons Behind the Block
The restriction on Viber comes as a response to the platform’s alleged non-compliance with legal mandates governing information dissemination. According to Roskomnadzor, the measures are deemed essential to mitigate risks associated with the potential misuse of the messenger for activities linked to terrorism, extremism, and drug trafficking. The statement further emphasizes concerns regarding the dissemination of illegal content through the app.
Viber, developed by Viber Media and launched in 2010, has garnered a substantial user base in Russia. Recent data from Mediascope indicates that as of October, approximately 26% of the Russian population aged 12 and older utilized the app, with 14% engaging with it daily. This widespread usage highlights the app’s significance as a communication tool among Russian citizens.
Previous Legal Challenges
This is not the first time Viber has encountered legal challenges in Russia. On June 20, 2023, the messenger was subjected to its inaugural fine in the country, with a Moscow court imposing an administrative penalty of one million rubles (approximately ,668). This fine was levied for the platform’s refusal to eliminate false information related to the ongoing special military operation from its message boards.
Further complicating its legal standing, on March 13, 2024, the Tagansky Court in Moscow imposed an additional fine of 800,000 rubles (around ,736) on Viber for the publication of prohibited content. These incidents reflect a growing trend of regulatory challenges faced by digital communication services in Russia, as authorities seek to enforce stricter controls over online information and communication channels.
