Russia Bans Encrypted Messaging App Signal for Violating Russian Laws

The open-source, end-to-end encrypted messaging app Signal has been banned in Russia. Most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Russia have blocked the app's regular connections at the network layer, making it impossible for users to continue communicating with friends through the app.

The regulatory authority responsible for this area, the Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology, and Mass Media, revealed that Signal violated Russian legal regulations. The enforcement of these laws is essential for preventing the app from being used for terrorism and extremism.

In essence, Russia believes that Signal has not complied with legal requirements to combat illegal activities. After all, the app is end-to-end encrypted, theoretically making it impossible for Russian authorities, ISPs, or even Signal itself to intercept user communications.

This situation is not particularly rare, as Russia had previously banned Google's YouTube video website, although no specific reason for the ban was provided. However, Russia has repeatedly claimed that Google did not comply with legal regulations and has issued fines against Google, which Google has not paid. Therefore, the ban on Google's various services can be seen as a retaliatory measure.

Earlier, Russian Duma members warned that Russia "might" ban Google search, Android, and iOS systems in the future. Russian entrepreneurs should prepare in advance to avoid business disruptions in case the ban actually happens.