The Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation, together with Roskomnadzor, are discussing restrictions on voice and video calls in messengers to combat «fraudulent actions.» Putin previously complained about call centers in Ukraine that defrauded Russians of more than $2.6 billion.
The Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation, together with Roskomnadzor, are discussing restrictions on voice and video calls in messengers to combat «fraudulent actions.» Putin previously complained about call centers in Ukraine that defrauded Russians of more than $2.6 billion.
This is reported by United24 Media, citing Russian media. According to the report, two options are being considered: a complete ban on voice calls through messaging apps or restrictions on calls from abroad. This step is due to concerns about the increased use of these platforms by fraudsters.
Telecommunications operators in the occupying country claim that up to 40% of calls made through messengers are related to fraudulent activities, with approximately 70% of these calls allegedly coming from abroad.
Roskomnadzor stated that they have the technical ability to block calls in messengers if they violate Russian law.
Earlier, Russian dictator Putin complained that call centers in Ukraine had defrauded Russian citizens of more than $2.6 billion, calling the situation «alarming.» He suggested that the operations may be state-controlled and linked to Ukrainian intelligence services.
Recently, a wave of sabotage by Russian pensioners swept through Russia, setting off fireworks at bank branches and setting cars on fire. According to the Russians, they were forced to do this by phone scammers.
Russian media also reported that WhatsApp could be at risk of being banned in Russia after it was added to a registry that requires local data storage and cooperation with government agencies. This comes after its parent company Meta was designated an «extremist organization,» leading to the banning of Instagram and Facebook in 2022.
