Phone scams have become a growing concern worldwide, with fraudsters using ever-evolving methods to deceive their victims.
In Russia, this issue has reached a tipping point, prompting drastic action from the government.
In a controversial move, Moscow has now banned internet-based phone calls, claiming it is a necessary step to curb widespread fraud, according to Ziare.
Protecting Citizens
The government announced that telecommunications licenses have been amended to eliminate the transmission of voice data over internet networks.
Officials argue that scammers often exploit these technologies to spoof phone numbers, making it harder to track them.
"This measure will end a significant portion of telephone fraud, as it will no longer be possible to connect data networks to phone networks," stated a government spokesperson.
Authorities assured the public that the ban would not affect typical users of apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, as these platforms operate solely on internet data without tapping into traditional phone networks.
The decision comes amidst a spike in scams targeting banks and government institutions across Russia.
In many cases, fraudsters impersonate bank officials or security agents to extort money from unsuspecting victims.
Recent reports have even linked these scams to acts of vandalism, including arson at recruitment centers and financial institutions.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) claims that many of these activities originate in Ukrainian-controlled territories. Officials allege that the scams are part of a broader strategy to destabilize Russia during its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
In addition to the ban, discussions are underway to impose further restrictions.
Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development and communications regulator Roskomnadzor are exploring options such as banning voice calls on messaging apps or limiting international voice traffic.
While authorities insist these measures are vital to protect citizens, critics warn of potential overreach. They fear the restrictions could infringe on personal freedoms and limit access to digital communication.
