In a recent development, Russia’s Digital Development Ministry, alongside the federal censorship agency Roskomnadzor, is contemplating a significant shift in the regulation of voice calls made through messaging applications. This consideration arises from ongoing efforts to combat the rising tide of fraud, as reported by Kommersant on December 24.
Exploring Regulatory Options
According to sources within Kommersant, officials are weighing two primary options: a comprehensive ban on voice calls via messaging apps or imposing restrictions specifically on calls that originate from abroad. This initiative comes in response to alarming statistics shared by mobile operator MegaFon, which indicates that approximately 40 percent of calls made through these platforms are fraudulent, with around 70 percent of these calls traced back to foreign numbers.
Telecom operators have expressed their concerns, stating that they currently lack the necessary tools to independently block these fraudulent calls. They emphasize the need for collaboration with Roskomnadzor and active engagement from messaging app developers to devise effective solutions.
Technological Capabilities and Industry Collaboration
In an earlier statement from October, Andrey Lipov, the head of Roskomnadzor, confirmed that the agency possesses the technological capabilities to block calls on messaging platforms. He indicated that such actions could be taken if the applications are found to be in violation of Russian law, as noted by Kommersant.
Despite these discussions, the Digital Development Ministry has clarified that it is not currently drafting regulations aimed at restricting voice traffic on messaging apps. The ministry remains open to proposals from industry stakeholders, signaling a willingness to engage in dialogue as the situation evolves.
As the New Year holidays approach, the atmosphere is further complicated by police allegations linking a wave of arson attacks and explosions in various Russian cities to Ukrainian scammers, adding another layer of urgency to the ongoing discussions surrounding digital security and fraud prevention.
