Russia Blocks Viber Due to Legislation Violations

Russia’s internet regulator, Roskomnadzor, has blocked the Viber messaging app, citing violations of national legislation while accusing the platform of facilitating terrorism, extremism, and drug trafficking.

Viber, a platform owned by Japanese company Rakuten, has over 17 million daily users in Russia, and is the third most popular messaging app in the country after WhatsApp and Telegram. The ban, announced last week, comes as part of Moscow’s broader effort to tighten control over online communications and isolate its digital infrastructure.

Roskomnadzor claimed that Viber failed to comply with regulations requiring information dissemination services to prevent illegal activities, such as terrorism recruitment, drug sales, and the spread of restricted content. The watchdog emphasized the importance of these measures for national security. Additionally, lawmakers, including parliamentarian Anton Nemkin, argued that Viber’s straightforward registration process — requiring only a phone number — makes it appealing to criminals and foreign intelligence operations.

The platform has faced fines in Russia for refusing to remove what authorities deemed “illegal” content, including information about the war in Ukraine. In June 2023, a Moscow court fined the company 1 million rubles (approximately $10,000). To date, Russian officials claim these fines remain unpaid.

Viber’s ban reflects a broader crackdown on encrypted messaging services and VPN applications. Earlier this year, Russia restricted access to the Signal app for allegedly violating anti-terrorism laws, while platforms like Discord faced similar accusations. Additionally, Apple was forced to remove VPN apps such as NordVPN and Proton VPN from the Russian App Store in 2024.

The Kremlin’s censorship efforts have also targeted social media giants. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) were blocked in 2022, while YouTube faced government-caused slowdowns to push users toward domestic alternatives.

Tech analysts suggest the Viber ban signals potential crackdowns on other messaging apps that are yet to be banned, including WhatsApp and Telegram, which have previously faced temporary restrictions. Despite Roskomnadzor’s efforts, many Russians are able to bypass these blocks using VPNs.