Hey there, folks! Big news coming out of Russia – they’ve just blocked Viber, one of the most popular messaging apps in the country. The reason? Well, according to the Russian watchdog Roskomnadzor, Viber failed to comply with legal requests to remove criminal content. This move affects a whopping 17 million daily Viber users in the country.
Why Russia Blocked Viber
The Russian authorities accused Viber of not doing enough to moderate its content, which allegedly included illegal activities like drug sales, terrorism, and spreading misinformation. The ban was put in place to prevent the misuse of the app for malicious purposes.
And this isn’t the first time Russia has cracked down on popular communication services. Just last year, they fined Viber and Telegram for not removing war-related content. It seems the Russian government is serious about maintaining control over digital communications.
According to Anton Nemkin, a member of the State Duma Committee, Viber’s encryption features make it a preferred tool for criminals and foreign intelligence agencies to recruit individuals. The anonymity and security offered by Viber make it a convenient platform for such activities.
With Viber now blocked, it joins the ranks of other restricted services like Signal and VPN providers in Russia. These actions paint a picture of a more controlled digital landscape in the country.
What are your thoughts on this latest development? Share your opinions in the comments below!
