In a notable development within Russia’s telecommunications landscape, the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, alongside the censorship authority Roskomnadzor, is exploring the possibility of imposing restrictions on voice calls made through messaging applications. This initiative appears to be a response to a troubling rise in fraudulent activities associated with these platforms.
Potential Scenarios Under Review
According to insights from the Kremlin-aligned newspaper Kommersant, two primary scenarios are being evaluated. The first involves blocking voice traffic originating from abroad, while the second considers a comprehensive ban on voice calls within messaging apps altogether. A source from the telecom sector has indicated that any such blocking measures would need to be executed at the level of Roskomnadzor.
In October, Roskomnadzor acknowledged that it possesses the authority to restrict calls via messaging apps if such communications are found to contravene Russian law. However, the Ministry of Digital Development has stated that it is not currently in the process of drafting regulations aimed at restricting voice traffic in these applications and remains receptive to proposals from the industry.
Despite the Ministry’s stance, Roskomnadzor has yet to respond to inquiries from Kommersant regarding the matter. The newspaper also highlighted a significant increase in fraudulent calls made through messaging apps, which now constitute approximately 40% of total traffic, a stark rise from just 1% three years ago.
In light of these developments, MegaFon, Russia’s second-largest mobile operator, has expressed its limitations, stating that it lacks the technical capabilities to analyze calls made through messaging apps or ascertain their country of origin. Currently, MegaFon indicates that the only effective means to mitigate fraudulent calls within these applications is through additional software installed on users’ smartphones.
Contextual Background
- The traffic of the American video hosting service YouTube in Russia has plummeted to just 20% of its typical levels.
- Roskomnadzor has previously blocked the widely-used Viber messaging app, citing violations of local laws.
- Users of the Signal messaging app in Russia have reported experiencing service disruptions.
