Russia is blocking messaging apps that have become alternatives to Telegram
In Russia, there have been service disruptions affecting the South Korean messaging app KakaoTalk and the Turkish app BiP, both of which gained popularity following restrictions on Telegram. This was reported by the Center for Countering Disinformation.
The Center noted that Russian authorities have not explained the reasons for the disruptions, but experts believe they are the result of deliberate actions by state regulators.
The Center emphasized that blocking even services from “friendly” or neutral countries demonstrates the Kremlin’s desire to tighten control over the information space and deprive citizens of independent channels of communication.
According to the Center’s assessment, this policy is aimed at isolating the Russian information environment and creating a digital space that is entirely controlled by the state.
Source: Center for Countering Disinformation.
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