The popular messaging app Viber has been blocked across Russia, according to reports from the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor). The closure stems from alleged violations of Russian laws related to the dissemination of information, particularly concerning the prevention of potential criminal activities.
Roskomnadzor announced the ban, stating it was necessary to "prevent threats involving the messenger being used for terrorist and extremist purposes, recruiting citizens for such acts, and the sale of narcotics," among other illicit activities.
This recent blockade is not Viber's first encounter with Russian authorities. The platform has been subjected to fines multiple times due to non-compliance with regulations, including refusing to remove prohibited content—a situation underscored by deputy Anton Nemkin, who noted the platform has accumulated fines exceeding 1.8 million rubles, which remain unpaid.
"Viber has frequently been exploited by fraudsters because it allows users to exchange messages, calls, and multimedia content without stringent identity verification systems," Nemkin highlighted. This characterization of Viber as insecure has been echoed by various officials and experts who blame its lack of adequate safety measures for leaving users vulnerable to scams.
An expert from the Federation Council's commission on the development of the information society, Artem Geller, described Viber as outdated and wildly unsuited for user security: "Viber has become a haven for criminals due to its increasing obsolescence and lack of necessary responsive features. Other competing messengers have advanced significantly, and it appears Viber is on the path to fading away."
User experiences on Viber have also varied significantly. Following the announcement, many reported issues accessing the app altogether. One user from Krasnoyarsk lamented their inability to log on, stressing the importance of the app for both personal and work-related communication. The widespread disruptions users are experiencing could escalate frustration at those relying heavily on the platform.
Viber had previously faced repercussions when local authorities, including those from the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People's Republic (LPR), restricted its operation, arguing it was used for psychological and information warfare. Even before the latest blockade, technical difficulties had begun surfacing, with thousands of service disruption reports recorded over recent months.
Despite Viber's popularity—ranking third among messengers used by Russian citizens following WhatsApp and Telegram, according to Mediascope—its regulatory troubles seem emblematic of Russia's tightening grip on digital platforms.
Other messaging services have faced similar fates due to purported violations. Platforms like Signal and Discord have also been targeted under the guise of compliance with Russian law. Amid increasing international tensions and the geopolitical climate, experts argue there’s evidence of intensifying repression against digital services and the media as state power seeks to limit outside influences.
The call for tighter controls on communications platforms isn't new to Russia. Earlier, the Ministry of Digital Development proposed operational bans on foreign messaging services across certain fields. They suggested restrictions would extend to using these apps for communication by state services and private sectors on engagements with clients.
Concerns have surfaced over the impact these restrictions might have on consumer engagement and data privacy. Industry experts and lawmakers grapple with balancing security demands and the need for open communication channels.
Industry advocates, including Alexander Efimov, President of the Association of Electronic Trading Market Participants, raised alarms on potential overreach. He expressed concern over any forced consumer pathways for interaction with public services, arguing for maintaining diverse engagement methods.
Overall, the blockade of Viber paints yet another picture of Russia's stringent approach to controlling communication and information dissemination within its borders. The growing tendency to curtail the reach of international platforms suggests significant repercussions not only for the future of Viber but for the broader technology environment.
The long-term viability of Viber remains uncertain as competition from more technologically advanced messaging platforms continues to rise. Whether service developers will pivot to adapt to the demands set forth by Russian law—such as establishing local entities and compliance infrastructure—remains to be seen.
Many observers question how much more compliance and cooperation with local laws platforms like Viber may need to undertake before regaining access to the Russian market. For now, users speculate what this means for their communication, as conversations shift to potentially more secure channels, distancing from Viber amid fears of government surveillance and regulatory overreach.