Russian authorities have blocked the messaging app Signal, citing alleged violations of anti-terrorism laws.
Causes Widespread Disruptions
According to El Economista the state communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, announced the ban, claiming that Signal failed to comply with regulations designed to prevent the use of messaging services for terrorist and extremist purposes.
The ban on Signal, a widely used encrypted messaging service developed in the United States, has caused widespread disruptions across Russia.
Users from various regions reported difficulties accessing the app, with approximately 2,000 complaints registered on the Sboj.rf portal alone, according to German news agency DPA.
Signal is known for its robust security features, which include encrypted text messaging, voice and video calls, and multimedia file sharing. This makes it a popular choice among independent journalists and opposition activists in Russia, as highlighted by The Moscow Times.
Increasing Internet Censorship
The blockage of Signal is part of a broader trend of increasing internet censorship in Russia.
On Thursday, there were also reports of issues with YouTube, though the Russian authorities have not provided an official explanation. Speculation is growing that Russia might block YouTube entirely, following the platform's refusal to remove content deemed "terrorist" by Russian officials.
British intelligence has suggested that a YouTube ban could be imminent, potentially occurring as early as September.
This move would be consistent with Russia’s recent efforts to limit communication among opposition groups, which have included restrictions on platforms like WhatsApp and social media networks such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
