Russia blocks Signal messaging app

Russia’s state communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has announced a nationwide block on the encrypted messaging app Signal. The restriction, reported by Interfax, is attributed to Signal’s failure to comply with Russian anti-terrorism laws aimed at preventing the use of messaging apps for extremist activities.

Users across Russia, including Moscow and St Petersburg, experienced significant disruptions with Signal, which approximately one million Russians use for secure communications. Complaints about the app surged to over 1,500, indicating widespread issues. While Signal appeared to function normally for some users with a VPN, it was inaccessible for others trying to register new accounts or use it without a VPN.

Mikhail Klimarev, a telecom expert, confirmed that this block represents a deliberate action by Russian authorities rather than a technical malfunction. He noted that this is the first instance of Signal being blocked in Russia, marking a significant escalation in the country’s efforts to control encrypted communication platforms.

Roskomnadzor’s action follows previous attempts to restrict other messaging services, such as Telegram, which faced a similar blocking attempt in 2018. Despite these efforts, Telegram’s availability in Russia remained relatively unaffected. Signal still needs to comment on the current situation.