Russia’s internet watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has blocked the Viber encrypted messaging app, citing non-compliance with Russian legislation.
The agency claims the ban is necessary to prevent the app’s use for terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, and sharing illegal content.
Viber, popular worldwide with over 1 billion Android downloads and hundreds of thousands of iOS users, faced scrutiny in June 2023 when a Moscow court fined the platform 1 million rubles for failing to remove content related to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The ban follows a broader crackdown by Russia on foreign communication platforms and VPNs. Earlier this year, the Signal messaging app was restricted for similar reasons. In recent years, Roskomnadzor has also banned Discord, Telegram, WhatsApp, and multiple VPN services, including NordVPN and ProtonVPN, citing access to “illegal content.”
This move adds to ongoing restrictions aimed at controlling digital communications in the country. Viber has yet to comment on the recent block.
