"Amid steps to expand its control over online communications, the Russian government has unveiled a new package of digital security measures that would sharply restrict incoming phone calls from outside the country. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko said on December 9 that the government had prepared a new package of initiatives that includes a ban on international incoming calls made without the consent of the receiver."
"International apps including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, X, Signal, Viber, Snapchat, and the gaming platform Roblox have been blocked or restricted. Earlier this month, Apple's FaceTime video service was added to the list when the government blocked it. Roskomnadzor has justified these moves by claiming services were being used for "organizing and carrying out terrorist activities, recruiting perpetrators, and committing fraud and other crimes against Russian citizens.""
The government introduced a package of about 20 digital-security initiatives targeting phone and internet fraud, including a ban on international incoming calls without receiver consent. Proposed measures include mandatory labeling of all international calls, special "children's SIM cards," and stricter limits on mass SIM card issuance. Officials said the steps aim to reduce large-scale fraud schemes that use networks of anonymously registered SIM cards to cash out stolen funds. Critics view the measures alongside recent app restrictions as efforts to restrict access to independent information amid the ongoing conflict. A new VK-developed app named Max has also been launched, drawing comparisons to WeChat.
Read at RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty
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