Russia to block calls from US, EU as digital control rises
Russia is set to block all incoming phone calls originating from the so-called "unfriendly countries" as part of a new package of phone fraud measures and enhanced digital control.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, December 9, by President Vladimir Putin during a meeting with members of the Council for Civil Society and Human Rights (HRC), a Kremlin advisory body, DW reports.
Putin stated that among the "concrete decisions" proposed by the Council and now being implemented by the Government is the outright blocking of international calls from states on the unfriendly list, specifically when those calls are carried out for criminal or scam-related purposes. Mandatory labeling of all incoming calls is also included.
"All these proposals have been considered and are being implemented by the Government," Vladimir Putin confirmed.
The Russian President also noted that the first package of Russian digital restrictions for the protection of citizens in the cyber security environment has already been adopted. A second, more extensive package is currently being developed and consulted upon, with a third legislative package slated for the near future.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko, Chief of the Government Staff, also discussed the second package aimed at "protecting citizens from scammers."
He confirmed that the new package includes approximately 20 initiatives, such as:
Prohibiting incoming international calls unless the subscriber gives explicit consent.
Mandatory labeling of calls.
Introducing children's SIM cards, which would allow parents to limit access to unwanted content without extra requests.
Increasing Digital and Communication Restrictions
In recent months, amid efforts to promote a national/state-backed messenger service, Russian authorities have intensified digital control and restrictions on foreign messaging and communication platforms. In August, voice calls via WhatsApp and Telegram were limited in Russia. Subsequently, State Duma deputies proposed blocking international calls on fixed phone networks as well, arguing that scammers had shifted their focus to landlines.
These restrictions are steadily increasing. In early December, Russia's state communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, blocked Apple's video calling service FaceTime, citing its use for criminal purposes. Earlier in November, the Russian Digital Development Ministry announced a temporary mobile internet and SMS ban for 24 hours on citizens returning from abroad.
47 States on the "Unfriendly" Sanctions List
The list of states considered "unfriendly" by Russian authorities currently includes 47 countries and territories. This extensive sanctions list includes all European Union member states, the United States of America, Great Britain, Switzerland, Norway, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Ukraine, and Montenegro.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
