Russia Unplugs Viber: A Signal for Encrypted Messaging Apps to Scramble!
Roskomnadzor has blocked Viber for allegedly breaking Russian laws. The encrypted messaging app joins a long list of banned services, including Telegram and WhatsApp. With over a billion downloads, Viber’s crime spree reportedly involves illegal content sharing and maybe even a sinister plot to overthrow the world one sticker at a time.
Hot Take:
It seems Roskomnadzor is playing the world’s least fun game of “Simon Says,” with the command being: “Block every app that doesn’t rhyme with ‘Motherland’.” The only thing more blocked in Russia than these apps might be sunshine and free speech!
Key Points:
- Russia’s Roskomnadzor has blocked the Viber messaging app for violating local laws.
- Viber boasts over a billion downloads on Google Play Store alone.
- In June 2023, Viber was fined for not removing content related to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
- Other apps like Signal and many VPNs have also faced the Russian ban-hammer.
- The crackdown is part of Russia’s broader strategy to control digital communication.
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