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Russia Bans IP Telephony to Curb Phone Fraud

IP Telephony Ban in Russia: What It Means

The Russian government has implemented a ban on IP telephony services that allow calls from the internet to mobile and landline phones. This move aims to tackle the increasing problem of telephone fraud, which often relies on such technologies to manipulate caller IDs.

Reason for the Ban

According to an official statement, fraudsters frequently exploited IP telephony to substitute numbers, making it easier to deceive victims. By eliminating the license for transmitting internet data with voice overlays, the government intends to restrict scammers from connecting data networks to traditional phone lines.

Impact on Regular Users

Authorities assure that the decision won’t impact everyday users. Most people communicate through popular instant messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, which aren’t affected by this restriction since they don’t support direct calls to landline or mobile numbers.

IP telephony

Could Messenger Calls Be Next?

While the current ban excludes messaging apps, there is speculation that Russia may impose restrictions on calls within these platforms in the future as part of its broader effort to combat phone fraud.

Key Takeaways

Aspect Details
Ban Target IP telephony services enabling calls to mobile and landline phones.
Objective Reduce fraud by preventing number substitution via internet calls.
Impact on Users Regular internet communication via messengers remains unaffected.
Potential Future Action Messenger calls may face restrictions as a fraud prevention measure.

Government’s Standpoint

Officials emphasize that the new regulation primarily targets scammers, ensuring that legitimate internet communication channels remain functional for the public. However, concerns about tighter restrictions in the future have raised questions about how these measures could evolve.

Conclusion

Russia’s decision to ban IP telephony reflects its commitment to tackling fraud but raises potential concerns for digital communication freedoms. While the government assures minimal impact on users, the evolving nature of these restrictions warrants close attention from individuals and businesses relying on online communication platforms.