The Russian government has taken decisive steps to combat the rising tide of telephone fraud by implementing new restrictions on internet telephony services. Recently, the authorities officially announced the exclusion of the license for transmitting internet data with voice overlay from the list of communication service licenses. This move aims to reduce the opportunities for fraudsters who frequently exploit this technology to perform number spoofing, which has become increasingly prevalent.
According to reports by Kommersant, government officials explained, “This technology allowed the use of the internet to connect with someone using landline or mobile networks. Most often, such technologies were used by fraudsters since they enabled number spoofing. Now this type of telephone fraud will be seriously limited.” The government underscored their commitment to protecting consumers by ensuring these new regulations wouldn't impact everyday users of telephone services.
Set to take effect on September 1, 2025, the regulations mandate the Ministry of Digital Development to update its normative legal acts within six months to align with this new framework. The Federal Security Service (FSB) has previously urged Russian operators to enforce limitations on IP telephony services, advocating for the prohibition of VoIP accounts from both foreign and local IP addresses. This follows widespread recognition of the challenges posed by fraudsters who maneuver through less regulated channels.
Industry analyst Eldar Murtazin mentioned during his conversation with NSN how significant these changes are: “The wording of the government decree is too broad; it does not mean all calls from IP telephony are now banned.” He noted the difference between legal and illegal uses of IP telephony, emphasizing, “We are simply closing loopholes… there will always be new ways for fraudsters to adapt; this is a shield-and-sword fight.” This perspective points to the complexity of dealing with technology-driven fraud.
It's worth noting Murtazin's assertions about the effectiveness of existing anti-fraud measures. The launch of the 'Anti-fraud' system, started back in December 2022, has already produced impressive results. The system has reportedly blocked over 5.4 billion fraudulent calls to date. “Fraudsters from the Sberbank number no longer call,” reported Murtazin, showcasing how quickly and efficiently the government is responding to these challenges. Interestingly, this system currently covers about 78% of the number capacity of Russian telecom operators.
Despite the progress, experts warn against overconfidence. The language of the regulation may not encapsulate every nuance of the technology, which can lead to unexpected consequences. For example, the potential implementation of restrictions on calls made via messaging applications is under consideration due to their increased use by criminals.
President Vladimir Putin has signaled support for imposing stricter penalties on accomplices of telephone fraud, indicating discussions are underway within both the State Duma and the Central Bank. This political backing is likely to galvanize the legislative efforts aimed at curbing telecommunications fraud effectively.
The larger conversation remains focused on how these operators will navigate the forthcoming regulations. Murtazin stated, “We are closing loopholes where small operators play ignorant of the misuse of their services by fraudsters.” These operators have traditionally offered services without stringent oversight, which has inadvertently enabled fraudulent practices.
The announcement has sparked debates among tech experts and consumer advocates alike, who are trying to find the balance between effective regulation and the maintenance of functional communication channels for legitimate users. Key stakeholders are closely monitoring the impact of these changes, as they could set precedents for how the government handles technology and fraud going forward.
Looking forward, Russia's approach could serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar challenges posed by digital communications and fraud. The success of these amendments will depend significantly on future technological developments and the adaptability of fraudsters. While the government appears to be taking much-needed steps, the evolutionary nature of fraud means this conflict is far from over.
The pending restrictions on IP telephony represent just one facet of the broader battle against telecommunications fraud. With continued vigilance and innovation, it is hoped these measures will create a safer communication environment for all users.
