Russia Blocks Viber Message Applications On National Security Reasons

Viber is owned by the Rakuten Group, blocked in Russia (photo: x @Viber)

JAKARTA Russia's communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, announced on Friday December 13 that access to the Viber messaging app had been blocked. This step adds to the long list of social media services banned by Russian authorities.

In his statement, Roskomnadzor said the blocking was related to violations of the rules for preventing terrorism, extremism, and drug trafficking.

Viber is owned by Rakuten Group, a Japanese company. However, Rakuten has not yet responded to a request for comment regarding this blocking.

Hiroshi Mikitani, founder and CEO of the Rakuten Group, previously promoted Viber as a platform capable of fighting what he called Russian propaganda.

"Unlike other social media, we firmly block fake news and propaganda from Russia," Mikitani said.

This blocking reinforces Russia's steps in controlling digital information and limiting access to foreign technology services.