Russian authorities, including the Digital Development Ministry and Roskomnadzor, are considering blocking calls made through messaging apps. This measure aims to combat fraud, according to a report by Kommersant. Officials are discussing two potential approaches: a complete ban on voice calls via messaging apps or restricting calls originating from abroad.
MegaFon, a mobile operator, indicates that approximately 40 percent of calls made through messaging apps are fraudulent, with about 70 percent of these calls coming from foreign numbers. Telecommunication operators have reported that they lack the tools to block these fraudulent calls independently. They would require assistance from Roskomnadzor and cooperation from messaging app developers.
Blocking calls to combat fraud
In October, Andrey Lipov, head of Roskomnadzor, claimed that the agency has the technological capability to block calls on messaging platforms if these apps violate Russian law. The Digital Development Ministry has stated that it is not currently drafting regulations to restrict voice traffic on messaging apps.
However, it remains open to proposals from industry stakeholders. In other related news, Russian police are attributing a recent wave of arson attacks and explosions in cities across Russia ahead of the New Year holidays to Ukrainian scammers. This development underscores the escalating concerns regarding security and the measures authorities may take in response.
Both the fight against fraud and the recent security incidents highlight the broader context of digital and national security challenges facing Russia as the New Year approaches.
