Here's the paraphrased text:
In a bid to enhance user safety and combat fraudulent activities, Russia's state communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has partially restricted voice and video calls on the foreign messaging platforms WhatsApp and Telegram [1][2][4]. This decision was made due to the increasing use of these platforms by scammers, who have exploited the lack of countermeasures provided by these foreign companies [4].
The move is part of a broader anti-fraud effort in Russia. Traditional phone networks have anti-fraud systems that block up to 90% of fraudulent calls, but these systems cannot block calls on foreign messaging platforms, allowing scammers to bypass existing protections [4].
Roskomnadzor has stated that most fraudulent calls have shifted to these foreign messengers, which have refused to cooperate with Russian authorities in ensuring user safety and providing information required by law enforcement to counter mass fraud and terrorist planning [1][2][4]. The agency has thus restricted calls, leaving other messenger functions unaffected, and said restrictions would be lifted once these platforms comply with Russian legal requirements, including cooperation with law enforcement [2][4].
The Ministry of Digital Development of Russia supports this decision, viewing it as a lawful step to protect citizens [2][4]. The ministry is encouraging Russians to use domestic alternatives until WhatsApp and Telegram comply with Russian law [3]. The ministry operates a Telegram channel for news updates and encourages users to share news first [2][3]. Subscribing to the ministry's site allows users to stay informed about events [5].
It is important to note that WhatsApp and Telegram, owned by Meta, are currently recognized as extremist and banned in Russia [6]. The ministry's Telegram channel provides updates on main news of Russia and the world [2].
The ministry is emphasizing the importance of staying informed about current events. Users can subscribe to the ministry's site for news updates [5]. The state effectively fights scammers in domestic messengers, making it difficult for them to operate in those platforms [7]. Scammers use WhatsApp and Telegram because they cannot implement their schemes in domestic messengers [6].
The restriction on voice and video calls in WhatsApp and Telegram is primarily aimed at combating scams, extortion, and the use of these platforms for recruiting in sabotage and terrorism [1][4]. The ministry is confident that the measure taken will allow Russians to communicate on the internet more safely [2].
Public reaction and adaptation indicate ongoing struggles given the widespread use of these apps across Russia [5]. However, the ministry views this as a necessary step towards ensuring a safer digital environment for all Russians.
[1] https://tass.com/society/1400663 [2] https://www.rbc.ru/technology_and_media/19/01/2023/63c4e6f99a79471f424a49d0 [3] https://www.rbc.ru/technology_and_media/24/01/2023/63c56f179a79471f424a49d0 [4] https://www.rbc.ru/technology_and_media/27/01/2023/63c610c99a79471f424a49d0 [5] https://www.rbc.ru/technology_and_media/27/01/2023/63c610c99a79471f424a49d0 [6] https://www.rbc.ru/technology_and_media/24/01/2023/63c56f179a79471f424a49d0 [7] https://www.rbc.ru/technology_and_media/19/01/2023/63c4e6f99a79471f424a49d0
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