Russia Blocks Viber Messenger Over Alleged Legal Violations

Russian authorities have blocked access to the popular messaging app Viber, citing non-compliance with laws designed to prevent its use for terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, and the distribution of illegal content. The move follows a history of regulatory tensions between Viber and Russian officials, culminating in the ban announced by the country's media and communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor (RKN).

According to Roskomnadzor statements published on the Russian media TASS, Viber failed to meet requirements imposed on information dissemination platforms, which mandate the removal of prohibited content and cooperation in government investigations. This is not the first clash between Viber and Russian authorities; in June 2023, the company was fined 1 million rubles for failing to delete allegedly false information about Russia's military activities. A subsequent fine of 800,000 rubles was levied in March 2024 for hosting prohibited content.

Viber, a messaging and voice-call platform developed by Rakuten, has a significant user base in Russia. As of October 2023, it was used by 26% of the population aged 12 and older, with 14% accessing it daily, according to data from Mediascope. This equates to tens of millions of users potentially impacted by the ban, disrupting personal and professional communication for many.

Viber's user-friendly interface and features, such as encrypted messaging, made it a preferred choice for both individuals and small businesses. The app's removal could force users to migrate to alternative platforms, potentially altering the competitive dynamics in Russia's digital communication landscape.

CyberInsider reached out to Viber, but no response has been received at the time of publication. We will update this post as soon as we hear back.

The ban on Viber underscores the ongoing crackdown by Russian authorities on foreign tech platforms. Other companies, including social media and communication giants, have faced similar pressures under Russia's tightening regulatory environment, often culminating in fines, partial restrictions, or outright bans.

Unfortunately, the state's actions have also impacted many of the most trustworthy VPN vendors, blocking people's access to content and compromising their anonymity. Recently, the Tor Project issued an urgent call for volunteers to set up WebTunnel Bridges to help circumvent Russia's escalating censorship measures.