Russia planned state control of Skype, Viber and WhatsApp

In the middle of January, 2021 it became known of intentions of Rossvyaz which is in process of abolition, to enter licenses for applications from which it is possible to call on the Internet on landline and mobile phones. Introduction of licenses would simplify to security service control over similar services which are among, for example, Skype, WhatsApp and Viber.

Department ordered a research about how voice traffic is passed in a public telephone network and what changes in the legislation are necessary for licensing of such services, Kommersant with reference to materials of the corresponding purchase which initial cost is 50.2 million rubles writes.

The unnamed interlocutor of the edition says that introduction of licenses "interests intelligence agencies long ago" and will allow them to get access to negotiations, protected by enciphering, and to data on users.

Russia planned state control of the Skype, Viber and WhatsApp messengers

Mobile operators suggested to enter for them obligatory licensing several years ago. In 2013 MTS explained that the similar companies compete with operators, but do not invest in infrastructure, and their activity is not regulated at the legislative level. Agree with such opinion also in VimpelCom.

The initiative of Rossvyaz can also affect IP-telefonii providers who render services of an intercity and international telecommunication for corporate clients based on virtual numbers, the newspaper writes.

The interlocutor of the edition specified that the foreign companies will hardly agree to share the technologies which at each service are constructed in own way with the Russian regulator.

To enter a new license type, it is necessary to describe technology, but to make it it will be impossible because all solutions proprietary, closed — he emphasized.[1]

Notes